Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

This smoked Gouda mac and cheese is marvelously smooth with a bit of a bite. My family loves this. I got the idea from a recipe made on a popular cooking show, and adapted it to my own tastes. Serve with a sweeter main dish for a delicious contrast.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 329 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups milk
• ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 ½ tablespoons butter
• 1 (16 ounce) package seashell pasta
• 4 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bake in the preheated oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add shells and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 10-inch casserole dish.

Step 4

While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and stir until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes. Gradually whisk milk, salt, and pepper into the flour mixture, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce is thick and smooth and coats the back of a spoon, 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 5

Drain pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Pour cheese sauce over top, and mix until thoroughly combined. Transfer mixture to the prepared casserole dish.