Smokin Macaroni and Cheese

Dive into a bowl of irresistible comfort with this Smokin Macaroni and Cheese, a gourmet twist on the classic recipe. Featuring a velvety, rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and parmesan, this dish is elevated with bold flavors of smoked paprika and ground mustard for a smoky, tangy kick. The creamy macaroni is perfectly baked under a crispy panko breadcrumb topping infused with a touch of olive oil and extra smoked paprika. With its tantalizing blend of textures and smoky depth, this baked mac and cheese masterpiece is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave indulgence. Ready in just under an hour, this dish serves six and guarantees to leave everyone asking for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup smoked gouda cheese, grated
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 tsp extra smoked paprika (for topping)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, smoked gouda, and parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses have fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and extra smoked paprika. Toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 10

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Smokin Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1770.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4820.9

Total Fat 242.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 134.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 651.8mg	0%
Sodium 6589.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 451.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.2g	0%
Total Sugars 56.3g
Protein 215.3g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4228.3mg	0%
Iron 22.6mg	0%
Potassium 1545.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 45.0%

Protein: 17.8%

Carbs: 37.3%