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Crispy Smoked Mac and Cheese

crispy smoked mac and cheese - featured image
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A creamy mac and cheese recipe featuring smoky gouda and a crunchy, buttery panko breadcrumb topping, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups (200 grams) shredded smoked gouda cheese
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups (475 ml) whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (100 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni and cook for about 7–8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter. Sprinkle in 3 tbsp (24 g) all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and starts to smell nutty.
  3. Gradually whisk in 2 cups (475 ml) whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups (200 g) shredded smoked gouda and 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar until melted and smooth. Add 1 tsp Dijon mustard if using. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish.
  6. In a small skillet, melt 2 tbsp (28 g) butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring often, until golden brown and fragrant (about 3–4 minutes). Season lightly with salt and a little garlic powder if desired.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese. Place under a preheated broiler for 3–5 minutes until the topping is bubbly and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Toast the breadcrumbs in butter before topping to ensure crunchiness. Remove cheese sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. Let mac and cheese rest 5 minutes after baking to set the sauce. For gluten-free, substitute flour and breadcrumbs accordingly. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked gouda, crispy breadcrumbs, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, smoky flavor

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/crispy-smoked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-crunchy-breadcrumbs/