Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Ingredients and Weight:

• 8 oz (227g) elbow macaroni
• 16 oz (454g) smoked gouda cheese, cubed
• 8 oz (227g) cream cheese
• 2 cups (473ml) whole milk
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 3 tbsp chopped fresh chives (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni until slightly underdone, then drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt the smoked gouda cheese and cream cheese over low heat.
4. Add the milk and bring to a gentle boil.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the cheese mixture and stir until smooth.
6. Add the mustard, salt, nutmeg, and pepper and stir well.
7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh chives, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 500 per serving (based on 8 servings)
• Fat: Approx. 32g
• Carbohydrates: Approx. 45g
• Protein: Approx. 16g

Dish Characteristics:

• The combination of smoked gouda cheese and macaroni brings a unique flavor experience.
• The dish is creamy, rich, and has a slight smoky flavor from the smoked gouda cheese.
• The golden brown top adds a crispy contrast to the creamy interior.

User Comments:

1. "This dish was amazing! The smoked gouda cheese gave it a unique flavor that I've never tried before." - John Doe, New York
2. "The mac and cheese was creamy and delicious, the smoky flavor was a nice surprise." - Jane Smith, California
3. "This dish was a hit with my family, they loved the combination of flavors." - Michael Johnson, Texas

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to use good quality smoked gouda cheese for the best flavor experience.
• Adjust the seasoning according to personal preference.
• If you want to add more heat, you can add a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.