Featured Cheese & Recipes

Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese with Smoked Gouda

Who doesn’t love a good classic mac and cheese? Now add some smoked gouda to it and make it even more melt in your mouth delicious!

Image and recipe provided by Proudly Wisconsin Cheese

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 ounces) uncooked penne pasta

  • 3 cups half-and-half cream

  • 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk

  • 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/4 cup butter, cut into small cubes

  • 12 ounces North Country Gouda Smoked cheese, shredded (3 cups)

  • 1 pound thick-cut bacon

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Place pasta in a greased 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in cream and evaporated milk. Stir in the salt, pepper and paprika. Dot with butter.

  2. Cover and cook on low for 1 hour. Stir and check pasta for doneness. Cover and cook for 30-60 minutes or until pasta is al dente. Gradually stir in gouda. Cover and cook for 15-30 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

  3. Meanwhile, heat oven to 400°F. Place greased wire racks on two aluminum foil-lined rimmed baking sheets.

  4. Arrange bacon strips in a single layer on waxed paper. Rub each with brown sugar. Place bacon on wire racks, taking care to not overlap. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crisp. Cool completely. Chop bacon into pieces.

  5. Spoon mac and cheese into serving bowls. Top with bacon.