Smokey Macaroni and 3 Cheeses
Indulge in the rich, irresistible flavors of this Smokey Macaroni and 3 Cheeses recipe—a comforting twist on a classic favorite. This baked mac and cheese features tender elbow macaroni smothered in a luxuriously creamy sauce made with a trio of cheeses: smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan. Infused with warm notes of smoked paprika and ground mustard, each bite delivers a subtle smokiness that elevates the dish. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs seasoned with a hint of paprika, this casserole boasts the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Ready in under an hour, this crowd-pleaser makes a perfect side dish for gatherings or a satisfying main course for weeknight dinners. Bring the smoky, cheesy perfection to your table, and watch it disappear!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 grams Elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 4 cups Whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Smoked Gouda cheese (shredded)
- 1.5 cups Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon Smoked paprika (for topping)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and can coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
Stir in the smoked paprika, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time. Stir after each addition until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until the pasta is fully coated.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, and smoked paprika for topping. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Smokey Macaroni and 3 Cheeses!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
5041 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 242.1 g | 310% | |
| Saturated Fat | 132.0 g | 660% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 616 mg | 205% | |
| Sodium | 6941 mg | 302% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 490.0 g | 178% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.2 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 68.8 g | ||
| Protein | 226.3 g | 453% | |
| Vitamin D | 12.2 mcg | 61% | |
| Calcium | 4567 mg | 351% | |
| Iron | 23.5 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 2007 mg | 43% | |
*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.
