Gouda Bacon Mac & Cheese

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Alright, folks, buckle up for one wild gouda-infused ride with this mystical bowl of goodness called Gouda Bacon Mac & Cheese. Now, I know what you’re thinking — does the world really need another mac & cheese spin? Oh, honey, not until you’ve tried it doused with molten gouda and flecked with crispy bacon bits. It’s like a hug for your soul, and your taste buds will do a happy dance. Perfect to test on that skeptical friend of yours who claims to “not really like cheese.” (What a fibber!)

So, let’s chat about my household’s love affair with this dish. My husband — and I promise I did not marry him for his impeccable food taste — has declared this the eighth wonder of the culinary world. Every time the savory scent wafts through our kitchen, it’s like magic, drawing my little family to the table in record time, forks at the ready. You know those memories you hope last forever? This gouda wonder often winds up being the stage for ours — random Tuesday nights turned into mini celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Gouda Bacon Mac & Cheese

– Melty gouda meeting crispy bacon in a mac & cheese? It’s like a food rave in your mouth.
– It’s effortless enough for a quick weeknight yet impressive for when the in-laws roll around. They don’t have to know it didn’t take all day.
– This isn’t just a dish; it’s a one-way ticket to comfort city. Trust.
– Cheese. Bacon. More cheese. Need I say more?

How to Make It

Alright, lean in — I’m about to divulge my secrets. Start by boiling pasta. Try not to eat half before it even gets to the pot. Meanwhile, sizzle that bacon until it’s a crispy little symphony in your skillet. Resist chomping on it just yet. Drain most of the bacon grease, but leave a slick for flavor. Here comes the magic — toss your pasta with the gooey, melty gouda (try not to dunk a crusty loaf of bread straight in, I dare you), fold in that crispy bacon, and suddenly you realize you’re a food wizard. Garnish with a little green if you want to feel fancy — parsley or scallions work. Now devour, and thank the kitchen gods.

Ingredient Notes

– **Pasta:** The chubbier, the better to catch all the cheesy, bacon-y goodness; I might’ve once used spaghetti; kinda messy but hey, still fab.
– **Gouda Cheese:** This star cheesemaker happy dances with your taste buds. Opt for smoked if you’re feeling adventurous.
– **Bacon:** Crispy and life-changing. Don’t skimp on quality — your happiness depends on it.
– **Milk/Cream:** Tried to swap with skim once… never again. Creamy is the way of the bacon cheese world.

Recipe Steps:

1. Boil pasta until al dente.
2. Cook bacon until crispy; save some bacon grease for flavor.
3. Melt gouda with milk/cream in a saucepan.
4. Combine pasta with melted gouda and crispy bacon.
5. Garnish and serve hot.

What to Serve It With

Tips & Mistakes

– Go for thick-cut bacon if you can. It’s about presence, people.
– If it’s looking dry, don’t panic. Splash a lil’ more cream; no one will yell.

Storage Tips

Stuff leftovers into a Tupperware and pop it in the fridge. Sticky clumps become a glorious mess when reheated. Eating it cold at 2 am also fair game. Breakfast too. No shame here!

Variations and Substitutions

Rummage through the fridge, huh? Cheddar in place of gouda is cool — just not the same sultry vibe. Swapped bacon for pancetta once — glamorous and unexpected! Threw in broccoli on a health kick; kids didn’t notice, so win-win. And don’t sweat it if you forget one thing — it’s still gonna rock.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Gouda Bacon Mac & Cheese

Creamy mac and cheese made with sharp Gouda, crispy bacon, and a buttery breadcrumb topping.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 1.5 cups Elbow macaroni
• ▢ 6 slices bacon Crispy cooked and chopped
• ▢ 3 cups Gouda cheese Shredded
• ▢ 2 cups whole milk
• ▢ 0.5 cups unsalted butter Divided
• ▢ 0.5 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ▢ 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For topping
• ▢ 0.5 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large saucepan, melt 0.25 cups butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes.
• Gradually whisk in milk and cook until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and stir in Gouda cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
• Combine cooked macaroni and bacon into cheese sauce, mix well.
• Pour mixture into a greased baking dish. Melt remaining butter and toss with panko breadcrumbs; sprinkle evenly on top.
• Bake for 20 minutes or until topping is golden brown and bubbly.
• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.