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Creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Onion Topping

creamy smoked gouda mac and cheese - featured image
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A comforting and creamy mac and cheese featuring smoky gouda and a crunchy crispy onion topping, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 8 oz shredded smoked gouda
  • 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions
  • Optional: fresh thyme or chives for garnish
  • Optional: bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until it forms a paste and smells slightly nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring often, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Lower heat to low and add shredded smoked gouda and sharp cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth. Avoid boiling the sauce.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold until noodles are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. In a small pan, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Toss in crispy fried onions and sauté for 2 minutes until golden and extra crispy.
  8. Serve immediately topped with crispy onions for best crunch, or transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle onions on top, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes for a warm, golden crust.

Notes

Watch the sauce closely when adding cheese to prevent separation. Stir in a splash of milk if sauce is too thick. Add crispy onions just before serving or baking to keep them crunchy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked gouda, creamy mac and cheese, crispy onion topping, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/creamy-smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-onion-topping-easy-and-delicious/