Spicy Chipotle Smoked Gouda Macaroni Bake
Indulge in this rich and creamy Spicy Chipotle Smoked Gouda Macaroni Bake, where classic comfort food meets a kick of smoky heat. This decadent mac n' cheese is made with tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety sauce of melted smoked gouda, enhanced by finely chopped chipotle peppers and a touch of adobo sauce for depth. Topped with a crunchy, spiced panko breadcrumb layer, it provides texture that complements the creamy pasta. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish is sure to impress anyone who loves a bit of flair in their comfort food. Share it with friends for an unforgettable experience or keep it all to yourself – we won’t judge!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
16 ounces (uncooked)
butter
5 tablespoons (divided (3 tbsp for sauce, 2 tbsp melted for topping))
flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
chipotle peppers
2 (seeds removed, super finely chopped)
adobo sauce
2 teaspoons (from the can of chipotle peppers)
whole milk
1 cup (at room temperature)
heavy cream
1 cup (at room temperature)
smoked gouda cheese
2 cups (shredded)
panko breadcrumbs
1 cup (for topping)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon
cumin
1/2 teaspoon
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional, for added heat)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9"x12" baking pan and set aside.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and avoid rinsing to retain starch that helps the sauce adhere.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring frequently to form a roux until it's lightly golden.
4
Stir in the finely chopped chipotle peppers along with the adobo sauce, whisking to combine. Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk. Simmer this mixture for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually add the shredded smoked gouda cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
6
Incorporate the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
7
In a separate small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Drizzle with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and mix well using a fork until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
8
Sprinkle the spiced panko mixture generously over the macaroni and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
9
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this heavenly mac n' cheese with a spicy twist!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary flavors in Spicy Chipotle Smoked Gouda Macaroni Bake?
The dish features a rich and creamy profile with a combination of smoky heat from chipotle peppers and the distinct, deep flavor of melted smoked gouda cheese.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This spicy macaroni bake is designed to serve 6 people.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before starting the assembly.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A 9 inch by 12 inch baking pan is ideal for this recipe.
How should the chipotle peppers be prepared?
The seeds should be removed and the peppers should be super finely chopped before being added to the sauce.
Why shouldn't I rinse the macaroni after cooking?
Rinsing should be avoided to retain the natural starch on the pasta, which helps the cheese sauce adhere better.
How do you make the roux for the cheese sauce?
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter and whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, cooking for about 5 minutes until lightly golden.
How much smoked gouda is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded smoked gouda cheese.
What liquids are used for the sauce base?
The sauce uses 1 cup of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, both at room temperature.
What is in the crunchy topping?
The topping is a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and melted butter.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake the macaroni for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
How do I know when the bake is finished?
The dish is ready when the panko top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
Can I adjust the heat level of this dish?
Yes, the cayenne pepper in the topping is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your preference for heat.
What is adobo sauce and where does it come from?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of adobo sauce taken directly from the can of chipotle peppers.
How long should the sauce simmer before adding cheese?
Simmer the milk, cream, and chipotle mixture for about 10 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Is the butter used all at once?
No, the 5 tablespoons of butter are divided: 3 tablespoons for the sauce roux and 2 tablespoons melted for the panko topping.
What spices are used to season the breadcrumbs?
The breadcrumbs are seasoned with paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and salt (plus optional cayenne).
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
The pasta should be cooked to 'al dente' according to package instructions as it will continue to cook slightly while baking.
What is the best way to mix the topping?
Use a fork to mix the breadcrumbs with the spices and melted butter to ensure they are evenly coated.
Is this dish suitable for a family gathering?
Yes, it is described as a perfect comfort food dish for family gatherings or cozy weekend dinners.
What gives the cheese sauce its smoky depth?
The combination of smoked gouda cheese and the chipotle peppers in adobo provides the smoky depth.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
While panko is recommended for its specific crunchy texture, regular breadcrumbs could be substituted in a pinch.
Do I add the cheese while the sauce is on the heat?
The instructions recommend removing the saucepan from the heat before gradually stirring in the shredded gouda.
What texture should the sauce have before adding pasta?
The sauce should be completely melted, smooth, and velvety.
How long should I wait before serving?
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to let the sauce set slightly.
Is the garlic powder used in the sauce or the topping?
The garlic powder is part of the spiced panko breadcrumb mixture for the topping.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is used in the topping, and salt is also used in the pasta boiling water.
Is the cheese pre-shredded or should I shred it?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of shredded smoked gouda; shredding it yourself usually results in a smoother melt.
What makes this 'Indulgent' according to the description?
Its indulgence comes from the rich combination of whole milk, heavy cream, butter, and a generous amount of smoked gouda cheese.