Homemade Mac and Cheese...This is Gouda!

Sorry, I know the title is cheesy, but I couldn't help myself. 

This weekend I made DFH and I some homemade Smoked Gouda and Cheddar Broccoli Mac and Cheese, and I have to admit it was pretty fabulous. 

Mac & Cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods, and perfect for our lazy Sunday.  One of the things that is so great about making Mac and Cheese is you can get as creative as you want with the recipe, and add in different cheeses, veggies, and proteins.  

Below is the base Paula Deen recipe I used, but I switched out the tomatoes for a head of broccoli and added smoked Gouda to the recipe, which added a great smokey taste to the meal. 



Paula's Mac & Cheese

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar
• 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Cook the pasta until tender. Drain.

In a small bowl, combine the panko and parsley. Set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, stirring constantly with a whisk. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Add the cheese, stirring constantly until thick and creamy. Add the macaroni, tomatoes, basil and salt. Spoon into the prepared baking dish. Top with the reserved panko mixture. Bake until golden and bubbly, about 25 minutes.

ENJOY!