Bacon & Smoked Gouda Mac-n-Cheese
Bacon & Smoked Gouda Mac-n-Cheese
Print recipe
| Serves | 5 |
| Prep time | 30 minutes |
| Cook time | 20 minutes |
| Total time | 50 minutes |
| Meal type | Lunch, Main Dish, Side Dish |
| Misc | Child Friendly, Serve Hot |
A family favorite that's easy to prepare - Bacon & Smoked Gouda Mac-n-Cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz. box Riggatoni or macaroni noodles
- 8 -10oz Smoked Gouda (grated)
- 16oz thick cut bacon (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 1/2 cups heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt (start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your taste)
Note
If you prefer a more cheesy taste, increase the grated smoked Gouda to 10 oz.
Directions
| Step 1 | |
| Preheat the oven to 350ºF. | |
| Step 2 | |
| Prepare noodles per package directions. Drain and set aside. | |
| Step 3 | |
| Slice bacon into 1" pieces. Cook in a pan on medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from the pan and place on paper towels to drain. Set aside. | |
| Step 4 | |
| Drain bacon oil from the pan, leaving just enough to coat the bottom of the pan, about 1 tsp. Place pan back onto medium heat and add peas. Cook peas for about 2 minutes or just until defrosted. Set aside. | |
| Step 5 | |
| In a pot, melt 2 T. of butter and add 2 T. of flour over medium heat. Continue to stir and cook until the butter/flour mixture becomes browned, about 2 minutes. | |
| Step 6 | |
| Add heavy cream, grated smoked Gouda, and salt/pepper to the butter/flour mixture. Slightly lower the heat and whisk until the smoked Gouda is melted. | |
| Step 7 | |
| In a large bowl, mix together the Riggatoni noodles, cheese mixture, peas, and bacon. | |
| Step 8 | |
| Lightly grease a 9"x13" glass cassereole dish. Pour the noodle mixture into the casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes. Serve. | |