Gouda Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Yield: 12 servings

Gouda Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Gouda Bacon Macaroni and Cheese: comfort food that kids and grownups will LOVE #macandcheese @shugarysweets

Nothing says comfort food like homemade Macaroni and Cheese! The gouda adds a creamy tang while the bacon adds a nice salty, smoked flavor! Try this at your next family dinner!

Ingredients

16 ounce elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
4 Tablespoons butter
2 ¼ cup milk
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dry mustard
2 teaspoons worcestershire
1 pound smoked gouda cheese, shredded
½ pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
5 slices bread (about 2 cups crumbs)
3 Tablespoons butter, melted
½ pound bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

Prepare macaroni according to package directions. Set aside.
In large pot, melt butter over medium high heat. Add skim milk and bring to near boiling. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle in flour. Whisk vigorously over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Mixture should be thick and boiling. Slowly add cream, while whisking. Add in salt, pepper, mustard and worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to low and continue to stir for about 5 minutes.
In food processor, shred Gouda and Cheddar cheese. Add to pot, stir until thoroughly combined.
Add cooked macaroni to cheese mixture. Pour into a 13x9 dish.
In same food processor bowl (no need to wash it after shredding the cheese), process 5 slices of bread to a fine crumb. Add melted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni. Top with crumbled bacon.
Bake uncovered in a 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.ENJOY!

Notes

Feel free to toss vegetables in with the pasta before baking! Broccoli, peas and mushrooms would all be delicious additions.

You can substitute store bought bread crumbs if preferred. Combine with melted butter before adding to the pan as directed. Or use Ritz crackers.

This recipe can be used for an unbaked macaroni and cheese too! Just skip the bread crumbs and serve hot!

Have a vegetarian in your family? Bake the macaroni without the bacon and let everyone add crumbled bacon to their own bowl of mac if desired. Easy solution!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 581Total Fat: 41gSaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 1116mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 26g

*Nutrition facts are an estimate and not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietitian for special diet advice.