Green Chile, Bacon, Gouda Mac & Cheese

 Who doesn't love mac and cheese?! It's a comfort food and I fixed my share when we were raising chiddlers, but I really haven't made it in years. I don't know why, but I'm guessing it's because we've cut back on carbs and starches. But last year our girl shared this recipe with us and I'm telling you...it's a game changer! 

Green Chile, Bacon, Gouda Mac & Cheese

2 1/4 C dry macaroni

1/2 C butter

1/2 C flour

3/4 tsp Kosher salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp dry mustard

1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika

2 C milk

8 oz Smoked Gouda, grated

4 oz Sharp Cheddar, grated

4 strips cooked, chopped bacon

2 chopped roasted green chiles (or a 4 oz can or a couple of big spoonfuls from a jar of 505 green chile))

3 Tbsp butter

1 C panko breadcrumbs

*Pre-heat oven to 350°. Cook macaroni - drain. While pasta is cooking, combine flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard, paprika in a small bowl. Melt butter in a large saucepan. Stir in flour mixture and cook for a minute or so. Gradually whisk in milk - whisking constantly. Once all the milk is added, continue to whisk for 3-4 minutes. until the sauce thickens. Add cheese (reserve some to sprinkle on top) and turn off heat, stirring to combine. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce. Stir in the chopped bacon and green chile. Pour it all into a greased casserole dish. Top with additional cheese. Melt 3 Tbsp of butter and mix in breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over pasta. Bake 20-30 minutes or until breadcrumbs begin to brown. Enjoy!