Print

Savory Smoked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon Breadcrumbs

smoked mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A smoky twist on classic mac and cheese featuring smoked cheddar, gouda, smoked paprika, and a crispy bacon breadcrumb topping for irresistible texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded smoked sharp cheddar (200 g)
  • 1 cup shredded gouda (100 g)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (56 g)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (about 2 slices white bread)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook 6 thick-cut bacon slices until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving bacon fat in the pan. Crumble bacon into small pieces.
  3. Add 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs to the skillet with bacon fat. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Sprinkle in 1/4 tsp garlic powder and a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and mix in crumbled bacon. Set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes without browning.
  5. Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Cook and stir until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Stir in 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add 2 cups shredded smoked cheddar and 1 cup shredded gouda, stirring until melted and smooth. Keep warm on low heat.
  7. Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Pour mac and cheese into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle crispy bacon breadcrumbs on top.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Use smoked cheddar for best flavor. Toast breadcrumbs in bacon fat with garlic powder for best topping. If sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of milk. For extra crust, broil 1-2 minutes at end but watch closely. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Vegetarian option: omit bacon and use olive oil to toast breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked mac and cheese, bacon breadcrumbs, comfort food, smoked paprika, cheesy pasta, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/savory-smoked-mac-and-cheese-with-crispy-bacon-breadcrumbs-recipe-made-easy/