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Creamy Stovetop Smoked Gouda and Gruyère Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Crust

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A rich and smoky stovetop mac and cheese featuring smoked Gouda and Gruyère cheeses, topped with a crispy golden crust for the perfect creamy and crunchy comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups whole milk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 8 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 8 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound elbow macaroni and cook for about 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until light golden and raw flour smell is gone.
  3. Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low and add 8 ounces shredded smoked Gouda and 8 ounces shredded Gruyère. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  6. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and toast for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring frequently.
  8. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese in the skillet. Cover with a lid and cook on low heat for 1-2 minutes to set the crust. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to ensure it holds shape when mixed with sauce. Melt cheese slowly over low heat to avoid grainy texture. Toast breadcrumbs carefully to prevent burning. For best results, add crispy topping just before serving or reheat.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, smoked Gouda, Gruyère, creamy mac and cheese, crispy crust, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/creamy-stovetop-smoked-gouda-and-gruy-e-re-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-crust/