Description
Indulge in a rich, smoky twist on classic macaroni and cheese. This creamy, cheesy comfort food features sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, and smoky paprika, creating a mouthwatering dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni (or any preferred pasta shape)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Crumbled bacon, green onions for garnish
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. The mixture should be smooth. -
Add Dairy:
Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to prevent clumps. Stir in the heavy cream and continue whisking as the sauce thickens. -
Season the Sauce:
Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. -
Melt the Cheese:
Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. -
Optional Toppings:
Garnish with crumbled bacon or chopped green onions. For a baked version, transfer to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up the smoky mac and cheese and serve hot.
Notes
- Spicy Smoky Mac and Cheese: Add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Vegan Smoky Mac and Cheese: Swap dairy for plant-based milk and vegan cheese alternatives, and use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
- Grilled Smoky Mac and Cheese: After mixing the pasta and cheese sauce, grill over indirect heat for added smoky flavor.
- Bacon or Sausage Add-ins: Stir in crumbled bacon or sausage for extra crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: main dish, side dish,comfort food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Smoky Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Smoky Pasta, Easy Mac and Cheese