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Crispy Smoked Gouda Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Golden Panko Crust

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A creamy, smoky baked mac and cheese featuring smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar cheeses, topped with a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb crust. Perfect for cozy dinners and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or any short pasta
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just shy of al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and toss with a drizzle of butter to prevent sticking.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour constantly for about 2 minutes until light golden and nutty smelling.
  4. Slowly pour in the warmed milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Cook and whisk often until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
  7. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and the remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter (browned butter preferred). Toss to coat evenly.
  8. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko topping over the surface.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden, crisp, and bubbling around the edges. Tent with foil if crust browns too quickly.
  10. Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh thyme or parsley if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use unsweetened almond or oat milk and vegan smoked gouda alternatives. Brown the butter for the breadcrumb topping to add a nutty flavor. Avoid overcooking pasta; it finishes cooking in the oven. Shred cheese yourself for better melting and creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked gouda, baked mac and cheese, panko crust, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, potluck recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/crispy-smoked-gouda-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-golden-panko-crust/