Ultra-easy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is as simple as they come but the taste and flavor is phenomenal. Rich and creamy and cheesy it is a fantastic comfort food.
Servings: 4
Calories: 646kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole grain penne pasta (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups Whole Milk
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- 1 tsp Himalayan salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 4 oz smoked Gouda (shredded)
- 1/3 cup green bell pepper (diced) (optional)
- 1/4 tsp stone ground mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Add the milk and pasta to a pot and set on medium heat. Once the milk begins to bubble, add the butter, lower the heat to a simmer, and continue cooking uncovered stirring occasionally to ensure that the pasta doesn't stick and the milk doesn't burn.
- Test your penne after 12-15 minutes to determine if they're cooked through. Once cooked, add in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder (and ground mustard if using) and mix to combine.
- Add the shredded cheese and fold until the cheese is fully melted and creamy.
- If using, fold in the diced green bell peppers.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use any preferred melting cheese of your choice. Fontina and Havarti are good options.
- You can also add in sweet green peas in place of the peppers. Top with some crumbled bacon for a delicious variation.
- If your pasta dries up or isn't as creamy as you'd like, add in some warm milk and fold to combine until your desired level of creaminess is achieved.
- To reheat any leftovers, add a splash of milk and slowly warm it on the stove top stirring constantly until it's warmed through and once more creamy.
Nutrition
Calories: 646kcal | Carbohydrates: 83g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 930mg | Potassium: 266mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 630IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 371mg | Iron: 0.2mg