Creamy Smoked Gouda Pasta Bake
Indulge in the rich, smoky flavors of this Creamy Smoked Gouda Pasta Bake. This dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious cheese sauce made from smoked Gouda and Parmesan. It’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. The addition of sautéed garlic and fresh green onions adds a delightful depth of flavor, while the crispy breadcrumb topping provides the perfect crunchy contrast. Not only is this recipe comforting and delicious, but it's also a healthier take on traditional mac and cheese, making it a great option for both kids and adults alike. Share this delightful dish at your next dinner and impress everyone with your culinary skills!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
2 cups (Cooked according to package directions and drained)
butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
garlic cloves
2 (Minced)
green onion
1/4 cup (Thinly sliced)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (None)
milk
2 cups (None)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
smoked gouda cheese
1/2 cup (Shredded)
parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons (Freshly grated)
dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sliced green onions; sauté for about 2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are softened.
3
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and continue sautéing for an additional minute to cook off the raw flour taste.
4
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded smoked Gouda and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth.
6
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated.
7
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 2-liter (8-cup) casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the dry breadcrumbs over the top for a crispy finish.
8
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Smoked Gouda Pasta Bake?
It is a comforting dish that combines elbow macaroni with a luscious sauce made from smoked Gouda and Parmesan cheese, topped with crispy breadcrumbs.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for elbow macaroni, which is traditional for a mac and cheese style bake.
How long should I cook the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes or until it is al dente.
What gives the pasta bake its smoky flavor?
The primary source of smoky flavor is the half cup of shredded smoked Gouda cheese.
What other cheese is used in this dish?
In addition to smoked Gouda, the recipe uses 6 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I prepare the garlic and onions?
You should mince 2 cloves of garlic and thinly slice 1/4 cup of green onions before sautéing them in butter.
How do I make the cheese sauce creamy?
The sauce is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, then gradually whisking in milk until it thickens.
How much milk is needed for the sauce?
You will need 2 cups of milk to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
What is the purpose of the all-purpose flour?
The flour acts as a thickening agent when combined with butter and milk to create the sauce base.
What temperature should the oven be?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
The casserole should bake for 20 minutes until it is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 2-liter or 8-cup casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
What provides the crunchy topping?
A half cup of dry breadcrumbs is sprinkled over the top before baking to provide a crunchy contrast.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredient list provided, this recipe is suitable for a vegetarian diet.
How much butter is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of melted butter to sauté the aromatics.
Can I use regular Gouda instead of smoked?
You can, but you will lose the distinct smoky flavor that characterizes this specific dish.
How do I prevent lumps in the milk sauce?
To prevent lumps, pour the milk in gradually and whisk constantly while the mixture simmers.
When should I add the cheeses to the sauce?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the shredded smoked Gouda and Parmesan.
How do I know when the sauce has thickened enough?
The sauce should simmer for 3 to 5 minutes while stirring until it reaches a creamy consistency.
Should the Parmesan be freshly grated?
Yes, freshly grated Parmesan is recommended as it melts better into the sauce than pre-shredded varieties.
What aromatics are used in this pasta bake?
The recipe uses minced garlic and sliced green onions for a delightful depth of flavor.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Can kids enjoy this recipe?
Yes, it is a healthier and flavorful take on traditional mac and cheese that is great for both kids and adults.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is melting the butter over medium heat and sautéing the garlic and green onions for about 2 minutes.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should use a greased casserole dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.
How do I ensure the pasta is well-coated?
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce thoroughly before transferring it to the baking dish.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While elbow macaroni is suggested, other small shapes like shells or fusilli would also work well with the sauce.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, ranging from the pasta and cheeses to the seasonings and breadcrumbs.
Is the garlic sautéed before adding flour?
Yes, the garlic and green onions are sautéed for 2 minutes before the flour is whisked in.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The dish features a creamy, cheesy interior with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping.