Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Smoked Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich, smoky cheese sauce made from a delightful blend of smoked gouda and sharp cheddar. Topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, this dish is perfect for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or casual get-togethers. Each bite delivers an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the macaroni: Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook elbow macaroni until al dente (7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- 2. Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour until bubbly; slowly add milk while stirring until thickened.
- 3. Incorporate cheeses: Remove from heat and stir in smoked gouda and sharp cheddar until melted. Mix in smoked paprika.
- 4. Combine: Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
- 5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer to a baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg