Smoky Mac N Cheese

Get ready to elevate comfort food to a whole new level with this Smoky Mac N Cheese recipe that combines rich, creamy cheese with a bold, smoky kick. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is coated in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and parmesan, enhanced by smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of optional liquid smoke for even deeper flavor. Topped with golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs infused with olive oil and more smoky paprika, this dish is baked to perfection for a satisfying mix of creamy and crispy textures. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or indulging in a cozy night at home, this Smoky Mac N Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, ready in under an hour and destined to become your go-to comfort food favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups smoked gouda cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. 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, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For extra smokiness, add the optional liquid smoke.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, smoked gouda, and parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.

Step 8

Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and smoked paprika. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional smoked paprika if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2027.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5693.3

Total Fat 328.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 186.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 911.8mg	0%
Sodium 6356.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 458.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.9g	0%
Total Sugars 55.7g
Protein 213.9g	0%

Vitamin D 406.1IU	0%
Calcium 4191.4mg	0%
Iron 23.8mg	0%
Potassium 1706.5mg	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: 52.4%

Protein: 15.2%

Carbs: 32.5%