Ultimate Smoked Mac and Cheese Delight
Indulge in the Ultimate Smoked Mac and Cheese Delight, a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food. This mouthwatering dish combines rich sharp cheddar and smoky gouda cheeses, enveloping perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta in a creamy, velvety sauce. With a crunchy, buttery bread crumb topping, this recipe will elevate your mac and cheese experience to new heights! Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy a generous helping of gooey perfection in every bite!
8-10 servings
Servings
320
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (none)
milk
3 1/2 cups (none)
tomato paste
1 tablespoon (none)
sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
smoked gouda cheese
2 cups (shredded)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
cayenne
1 pinch (none)
crustless country bread
4 ounces (torn into crumbs)
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
rigatoni pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente and drained)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously butter a large rectangular baking dish.
2
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully melted.
3
Gradually add in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.
4
Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir frequently until the mixture thickens, which should take approximately 5 minutes.
5
Once thickened, mix in the tomato paste until evenly incorporated.
6
Add 1.5 cups each of shredded sharp cheddar and smoked gouda cheese, stirring until the cheese sauce is smooth and fully melted.
7
Season the cheese sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
8
In a separate bowl, tear the crustless country bread into large crumbs. Mix with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and a pinch of salt until well coated.
9
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rigatoni pasta with the creamy cheese sauce, mixing gently until the pasta is evenly coated.
10
Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
11
Sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top, followed by the buttered bread crumbs to create a delightful crunchy topping.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly. If the top becomes too dark, cover with aluminum foil.
13
Allow the dish to cool for 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and the sauce set.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
27g
Carbs
9.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Ultimate Smoked Mac and Cheese Delight.
How many servings does this mac and cheese recipe make?
This recipe yields between 8 to 10 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of rigatoni pasta, cooked al dente and drained.
What are the two main types of cheese used?
The recipe features sharp cheddar cheese and smoked gouda cheese.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 320 calories.
Is there a secret ingredient in the sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of tomato paste to enrich the cheese sauce.
How much fat is in a serving of this dish?
There are 18g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 9.5g of protein.
How long does the mac and cheese need to bake?
Bake it for about 40 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
What should I do if the bread crumbs get too dark while baking?
If the top becomes too dark, simply cover the dish with aluminum foil.
How much milk is required for the sauce?
The recipe requires 3 1/2 cups of milk.
How much butter is used to make the roux?
Use 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter to start the roux.
What is the topping made of?
The topping consists of 4 ounces of crustless country bread torn into crumbs, mixed with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and a pinch of salt.
Does this recipe have any spice?
Yes, it includes a pinch of cayenne for an extra kick.
How long should the dish cool after baking?
Allow the dish to cool for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce can set.
How much total cheese is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of sharp cheddar and 2 cups of smoked gouda, totaling 4 cups.
How much of the cheese goes directly into the sauce?
Add 1.5 cups of each cheese (3 cups total) into the sauce, saving the rest for the topping.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving has 27g of carbohydrates.
How many total ingredients are listed?
There are 12 ingredients in total.
How should I prepare the baking dish?
Generously butter a large rectangular baking dish.
What is the first step in making the cheese sauce?
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour for about 3 minutes.
Is the bread used for the topping crustless?
Yes, the recipe specifies 4 ounces of crustless country bread.
What type of black pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
What are some suggested occasions for this dish?
It is perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
How would you describe the sauce texture?
The sauce is described as creamy, velvety, and smooth.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include mac and cheese, smoked gouda, cheddar cheese, comfort food, and baked pasta.
How long do you cook the flour and butter mixture?
Stir the flour and butter constantly for about 3 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
How much flour is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
Does the recipe contain any sugar or fiber?
According to the data provided, sugar and fiber values are not listed.