Go Back
+ servings
spoonful of bacon gouda mac and cheese over a baking pan
Print

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.
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.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcal