Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese with Bacon

Step 1

Bring water to boil in large pot and add pasta and cook until al dente.

Step 2

Preheat oven to 350°

Step 3

When pasta is done, drain pasta reserving 1 C of pasta water.

Step 4

Return pasta to pot and add butter, cream cheese and pasta water.

Step 5

Heat over medium low heat until cream cheese has melted.

Step 6

Add shredded gouda cheese along with milk and heavy cream and cook stirring often over low heat until sauce thickens. If needed you can add more milk to desired consistency.

Step 7

In a saute pan cook bacon until crispy and remove from pan reserving 1/4 C bacon grease.

Step 8

Chop bacon up into small pieces.

Step 9

Using an oven safe 4 qt container add bacon grease and rub sides to coat.

Step 10

Transfer mac and cheese to container and bake for 20 minutes.

Step 11

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped bacon.