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Easy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko

smoked gouda mac and cheese - featured image
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A quick and indulgent weeknight mac and cheese featuring creamy smoked gouda and a crispy panko topping. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 6 ounces (170g) smoked gouda, shredded
  • 4 ounces (113g) sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the rack in the upper third of the oven.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions (about 6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.
  3. While the pasta cooks, make the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the milk and heavy cream. Whisk gently and heat until small bubbles form around the edges—do not let it boil.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded smoked gouda and sharp cheddar in small handfuls, whisking constantly. Let each addition melt completely before adding the next (about 3-4 minutes total). The sauce should be smooth and glossy.
  5. Whisk in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  6. Pour the drained macaroni into the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir gently with a rubber spatula until every piece of pasta is coated.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a greased 8×8-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan. Stir with a fork until evenly coated. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
  10. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce. Cook pasta one minute less than package directions to avoid mushiness. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set. For extra crispy panko, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before mixing with butter and Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked gouda mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, crispy panko mac and cheese, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://coracooks.com/easy-smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese-with-crispy-panko/