Pinterest Win: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

I found this recipe for Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese on Pinterest when I was planning out our meals for the week, and knew that this would be a perfect dish for a chilly evening. First of all, who doesn't love homemade mac and cheese? Second of all, is smoked gouda not the best kind of cheese in the world? For real, if I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life, it would be gouda cheese. Just so smoky and yummy and mmmmm......

Anyway, back to the recipe.

This recipe is from Just A Dash, and I modified it a bit for what we had in the kitchen.

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

From Just  a Dash

4 cups Dried Pasta -- I used the shell kind.
1 Egg Beaten
4 Tablespoons Butter
¼ cups All-purpose Flour
2-½ cups 2% milk
1 tsp Dry Mustard
1/2 pound Smoked Gouda (I just bought a block from Trader Joe's and used the whole thing. It was a little over 1/2 lb.)
½ pound Cheddar Cheese
½ teaspoons Salt
½ teaspoons Ground Black Pepper


1. Preheat oven to 350.

2. Cook pasta according to directions on box. When done, drain and rinse with cold water.

3. Grate your cheese, or if you don't have a grater like me, use your knife to cut it up into very thin strips. Don't forget to eat some along the way. Because did I mention, gouda cheese rocks?

4. In a large pot (perhaps the one you just dumped your pasta out of?) melt the butter and whisk in flour, whisking constantly into a roux (fancy hotel and restaurant management term right there.)

5. Slowly add milk a little at a time, continuing to constantly stir.

6. Beat egg in a separate bowl, and then slowly add 1/4 cup of the sauce and beat it into egg. When mixed well, add to sauce.

7. Dump your cheese in, stir until melted, and then add your seasonings.(It said on the original recipe that it should taste salty, and mine definitely did. Don't let this scare you!)

8. Add your pasta back in and mix well.

9. Pour mixture into greased casserole dish and cook for 20 minutes. I poured some extra cheese on top, but it would taste really good with breadcrumbs.

10. Scoop into a large bowl, curl up on the couch with your loved one, and watch Modern Family (or your favorite weeknight TV show.) ENJOY!