Are you ready to get your spicy on? Sriracha Gouda Mac and Cheese is a creamy mac and cheese recipe that uses gooey gouda with spicy Sriracha and a fresh crunch for texture.
Sriracha Mac and Cheese
My husband is notorious for thinking any and every recipe would be made better if only it had bacon and hot sauce. I could serve him Cheerios and he’d ask for the hot sauce.
On many occasions I disagree, that it covers up the flavor profile of my food, but for mac and cheese, it pairs perfectly. Hot, piquent Sriracha with salty, crunchy bacon and smooth, smoked gouda is like a match made in flavor heaven.
Top is with panko crunchies and lush scallions and you have just hit the mac and cheese motherload, foodie friend.
Mac and Cheese Sauce- Bechamel
People tend to think an excellent macaroni and cheese reaches legendary status due to gobs of, well, cheese. I beg to differ. Macaroni and cheese connoisseurs will agree that it starts with a bechamel sauce. And then comes pairing with the perfect cheese.
One of the classic “mother” sauces, bechamel sauce is the beginning to many tasty meals. Rich and creamy, it is the base for any fabulous cheese sauce.
The basics of a bechamel start with equal parts butter and flour. I like to use clarified butter, but I realize that isn’t always in the game plan. Whisk in flour until a paste forms. Wait until it browns just a little, this adds flavor.
Then you whisk in whole milk (don’t skimp and use anything less than whole, it needs the fat) and finally, the cheese. Then come add-ins, like bacon!
Mastering the bechamel is the hardest part of making macaroni and cheese. But then you get to run around saying the word “bechamel” like a fancy person and that is always fun.
Smoked Gouda- Or Another Cheese
Choose your cheese wisely, I liked aged smoked gouda because it has a smoky flavor with a slightly funky aroma. The consistency is just right- not too dry or soft- for a sticky cheese sauce.
Gouda doesn’t break the bank, but it is more expensive that your run-of-the-mill cheddar, so it is a good thing that a little goes a long way. You’ll need about an 8 ounce wedge, but in all honesty, having a little less or a little more won’t drastically change the recipe.
Also feel free to swap out another flavor of cheese like fontina, munster, havarti or cheddar cheese. Or use a combination!
Best Pasta for Mac and Cheese
After mastering the sauce, make sure you select the correct pasta. One with nooks and crannies does well so it really clings to the sauce. There are our top picks:
- Elbows
- Rotini
- Fusilli
- Wagon wheels
- Shells
Variations
When it comes to mac and cheese, the sky is the limit in terms of swaps and variations. Here are some of my favorite ways to personalize this sriracha mac and cheese recipe.
- Add more protein– make this a meal by adding 1-2 cups of cooked shredded chicken or cooked sliced sausage.
- Hide the Veggies– The best way to hide vegetables is in the form of cheese and pasta. Chop them up and cook them, then fold right into the sauce. This recipe is saucy enough that it should adequately coat all the add-ins.
- Amp up the Heat- If you really want to sweat, stir in an additional 1 teaspoon of Sriracha to the actual cheese sauce and also 1-2 tablespoons of fresh hot pepper like jalapeno, habanero or poblano.
- Top is with Flakes– You can also top it with more color and heat with crushed red pepper flakes or aleppo pepper.
- Don’t like heat? Leave the Sriracha sauce off altogether or only top half of the tray so you have mild and spicy options.
Make Ahead & Storage
Mac and cheese is notorious for being a make ahead recipe that is also perfect for potlucks and parties. This version is no exception, however, I syggest when making any mac and cheese for a party, increase the liquid in the cheese sauce.
Liquids will absorb into the pasta and leave you with a dry sauce. Add an additional 1/2 cup of half and half to the mix to prevent this from happening. I think we can all agree that it is better to have more cheese sauce than not enough.
Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven or on stovetop.
More homemade mac and cheese recipes:
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Bacon Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
- Creamed Spinach Shells and Cheese
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Sriracha Gouda Mac and Cheese is a creamy homemade mac and cheese recipe that uses gooey gouda with spicy Sriracha and a fresh crunch for texture.
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 25 minutes mins
Total Time: 30 minutes mins
Servings: 6
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 14.5 ounces dry rotini pasta , or another pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 1/2 cups smoked gouda , grated
- 1/2 cup bacon , cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley , chopped
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 3 scallions , chopped
- Cooking Spray
Instructions
Cook the pasta of choice according to package directions for al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Next, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the panko bread crumbs and pepper. Brown bread crumbs, stirring once a minute for 5 minutes. Remove from burner and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Quickly whisk in flour to form a roux.
Microwave the milk and half and half for 3 minutes in an oven safe container, being careful to not burn yourself.
Roux should be a light brown and have a nutty smell. While whisking, pour in milk. Initially it will be clumpy and thick, but keep on whisking- FAST! Sauce will be a creamy white and thick after all milk is added.
Whisk in the gouda until smooth. Still whisking (does your arm hurt yet?) add the parsley, bacon and salt. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, gently toss cooked pasta with gouda cheese sauce.
Preheat broiler on high. Coat individual oven-safe bowls or a large casserole dish with cooking spray. Transfer mac and to casserole dish(es). Sprinkle with panko bread crumbs.
Place under high broiler for 3-4 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.
Remove and drizzle with Sriracha and scallions.
If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!
Nutrition
Calories: 848 kcal, Carbohydrates: 71 g, Protein: 35 g, Fat: 46 g, Saturated Fat: 27 g, Cholesterol: 148 mg, Sodium: 1696 mg, Potassium: 458 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 10 g, Vitamin A: 1305 IU, Vitamin C: 2.9 mg, Calcium: 750 mg, Iron: 2 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 848
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade mac and cheese recipe, oven baked mac and cheese
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