The Cheesiest Mac & Cheese is Also Topped with Bacon Crumbs|Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese

A recipe video to demonstrate how easy it is to make a cheesy and creamy Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese. It's topped with bacon crumbs for an indulgent, flavour-packed baked pasta that's simply irresistible.
#compelledtocook #recipevideo #cookingvideo #cookingchannel #mac&cheese #bakedpasta #macaronirecipe #gouda #cheesymacaroni #foodvideo #macandcheeserecipe #howtomakemacaroni #baconrecipe

Product favourite: Stainless Steel Colander https://amzn.to/3Vp6f3p

Affiliate Disclosure: I may receive compensation for purchases made through the product links at no cost to the purchaser. Compelled to Cook is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. #ad


Free printable recipe at https://www.compelledtocook.com/smoke...

Bacon Crumbs

3 ounces bacon, diced
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs, divided
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp salted butter, melted

Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese

8 ounces elbow macaroni
3 tbsp bacon fat/butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 1/4 cup 2% milk, warmed
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp white pepper
5 ounces mild smoked Gouda, grated
4 ounces white cheddar, grated
1/2 ounce Parmesan, grated
1-2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce


Bacon Crumbs:

-Cook diced bacon until just starting to crisp and most of the fat has rendered. Scoop out bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon fat. Allow the bacon to cool slightly.
-In a mini food processor combine half of the bread crumbs, cooked bacon, pepper and cayenne pepper. Pulse until crumbly and the bacon has broken down into smaller bits. Add the remaining bread crumbs and melted butter. Pulse until just combined. Set aside.

Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese:

-While the bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook macaroni in boiling, well-salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
-Preheat oven to 350℉. In a large saucepan, heat reserved bacon fat and or butter for a total of 3 tbsp. Add flour and stir to combine. Cook over low heat for 1 minute, stirring often. Add 1 cup of hot milk and continue to whisk until smooth and the mixture starts to bubble. Whisk in another cup of hot milk and until smooth. Add the remaining milk, whisk until smooth and allow to come to a full simmer. Whisk in thyme, dry mustard, salt, cayenne, white pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
-Toss together all three grated cheeses and reserve about half a cup.
-Add the remaining grated cheese to the sauce and stir until melted over low heat if needed to allow the cheese to melt. Add the cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Divide equally into individual cocotte dishes or a suitable casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and then bacon crumbs. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on the top.