Irresistible Cheesy Smoked Casserole for Family Dinners
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Author:jamal
Total Time:90 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Description
Savor Cheesy Smoked Casserole, a perfect dish for family dinners. Delight in its creamy texture, smoky flavor, and easy prep for everyone to enjoy!
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound of elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup smoked gouda cheese, shredded
4 cups milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta – Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce – In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking to avoid lumps, and cook until the mixture thickens. Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add your cheddar and gouda cheese, mixing until fully melted.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce – In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni with your cheese sauce. If you’re adding cooked bacon or sausage, gently fold it into the mixture now.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs for that beautiful crunchy topping, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake – Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy – Once baked, let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This Cheesy Smoked Casserole combines creamy textures and robust flavors, bringing families together for a delightful dinner experience.
