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Baked Smoked Bacon Gouda Mac and Cheese

Grown-Up Baked Smoked Bacon Gouda Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious spin on traditional mac and cheese. Ordinary mac and cheese is transformed into a crunchy and gooey sensation! This dish is made with creamy cheddar and gouda cheese and topped with toasted breadcrumbs. This dish makes the perfect side-dish for any occasion.

bacon gouda mac and cheese
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bacon gouda mac and cheese

Regular mac and cheese is awesome. Bacon gouda mac and cheese is EPIC! I am still on holiday break from work. I have probably spent 50% of my time off in the kitchen. I can’t help myself! I love to cook.

bacon gouda mac and cheese
breadcrumbs and chopped cooked bacon in separate glass bowls

I had leftover bacon from another Christmas dish, Dutch Oven Skin-On Mashed Potatoes with Bacon. I decided to throw the bacon in this recipe. I also LOVE gouda in my mac and cheese. I go back and forth with using it because I like to switch up the cheese I use.  This recipe was perfect! It made an amazing side dish for New Years Day dinner.

bacon gouda mac and cheese

You can switch up the cheese you use in this recipe if you wish. This is my preferred combination, but that can definitely be tweaked.

bacon gouda mac and cheese in a baking dish

Pair With These Recipes

Stuffed Turkey Legs
Southern Mustard Greens
Southern Cornbread Dressing
Southern Homemade Classic Cornbread

Scalloped Corn
Cornbread Casserole
Southern Black Eyed Peas
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce

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southern style baked macaroni and cheese
spoonful of bacon gouda mac and cheese over a baking pan
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5 from 23 votes

Baked Smoked Bacon Gouda Mac and Cheese

Grown-Up Baked Smoked Bacon Gouda Macaroni and Cheese is a delicious spin on traditional mac and cheese. Ordinary mac and cheese is transformed into a crunchy and gooey sensation! This dish is made with creamy cheddar and gouda cheese and topped with toasted breadcrumbs. This dish makes the perfect side-dish.
Save this recipe here.
Course Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword bacon gouda mac and cheese, bacon mac and cheese, bacon macaroni and cheese
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 367kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup parmigiano reggiano shredded
  • 1 cup fontina cheese shredded
  • 2 cups gouda cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup muenster cheese cut into small chunks
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 3-4 cups of milk use judgement here
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 sliced of bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons bread crumbs I prefer whole wheat
  • salt pepper, and onion powder to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Boil a large pot with salted water over high heat.
  • Add the macaroni and cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Drain the macaroni and rinse with cold water. This is important. You want the pasta to cool so that it does not continue to cook. The pasta will cook again while baking in the oven. Over-cooked pasta results in a terrible texture.
  • Heat a sauce pan on medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt.
  • Once melted, add the flour and whisk.
  • This will create a slurry. Continue to whisk until the four is fully combined.
  • Add the milk and stir.
  • Add half of the cheese and stir until the cheese is melted.
  • Add the seasonings and taste repeatedly.
  • Return the pasta to the large pot. Drizzle the liquid mixture over the pasta and stir until fully combined.
  • Spray a baking pan with cooking spray.
  • Begin to layer in the pasta. Start with the pasta, then add a layer of all of the shredded cheese and muenster chunks.
  • Add another layer of pasta, and then another layer of cheese.
  • Ensure there is adequate liquid throughout these steps (additional milk or reserved pasta water work well). This can be tricky. You do not want the dish to appear like soup, but you do not want it to be dry.
  • This step is important because without adequate liquid the dish will dry out while baking.
  • Top with the bacon.
  • Sprinkle the breadcrumbs throughout.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes.
  • Cool before serving.

Notes

If you’re making this for a crowd, I wouldn’t make it ahead. This is a dish that’s best served fresh while the cheese is still soft and gooey. After making it, I leave it in the oven on warm and covered in foil.
I also wouldn’t prep it in advance. This will ruin the texture of the cheese.
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Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Calories: 367kcal
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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Recipe Rating




Laura

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

We did something different for Thanksgiving and ate out. However, I knew that this was one recipe I still HAD to make. Made it Thanksgiving night and am enjoying every single bite!!!

staysnatched

Sunday 26th of November 2023

Great call!

Christina Keliikoa

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

Whenever I need a recipe. I always come here first! First time making this recipe and it will now be my go to recipe for Mac and cheese. Hands down the best!! I was not worried making this for the first time on Thanksgiving because I’ve made other Brandi recipes and Trust! Thanks Brandi! Happy Thanksgiving!

staysnatched

Sunday 26th of November 2023

Thank you! Happy holidays!

Renee Bee

Wednesday 22nd of November 2023

How much liquid should I add before putting this in the oven? At least 1 cup or what?

staysnatched

Wednesday 22nd of November 2023

The recipe uses 3-4 cups of milk.

Candice

Tuesday 15th of November 2022

Can this be prepped ahead of time?

staysnatched

Tuesday 15th of November 2022

I wouldn’t. The cheese will harden.

Alison Ferris

Monday 14th of February 2022

Yum! I made for a Super Bowl bbq and complemented the whole spread and was loved by all ♥️ I probably should have added more salt, but was still delish. Next time :)

staysnatched

Monday 14th of February 2022

Glad to hear it!