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Roasted Poblano and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Creamy Roasted Poblano and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Bliss

Indulge in this Roasted Poblano and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese, a creamy, cheesy delight with a unique flavor profile.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Dry Small Pasta Macaroni, cavatelli, or small shells
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 medium Poblano Peppers For mild spice and smoky flavor
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Essential for a silky béchamel sauce
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour Thickens the béchamel sauce
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream Adds richness
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder Enhances flavor depth
  • 1 cup Mascarpone Cheese For luxurious texture
  • 1 cup Smoked Gouda Cheese Delivers distinct smoky flavor
  • 1 cup Aged White Cheddar Cheese Provides sharpness and creaminess
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Enhances cheesiness
For Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun Seasoning Brings extra spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Enhances flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Adjust to taste
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Panko Bread Crumbs Adds crunch on top

Equipment

  • baking dish
  • large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • baking sheet
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your broiler and broil the poblano peppers until blackened and blistered.
  2. Transfer the roasted poblano peppers to a ziplock bag to steam for 10 minutes, then peel and chop.
  3. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the dry pasta to about 75% of the package time, then drain.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter, whisk in flour to create a roux, and cook for about 2 minutes.
  5. Gradually whisk in cream and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  6. Stir in mascarpone, smoked gouda, and sharp cheddar until melted and smooth; add chopped poblano and seasoning.
  7. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
  8. Sprinkle panko bread crumbs on top and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Broil for an additional minute for a crispy finish before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 21gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Use block cheese for better texture and watch baking time closely to avoid dryness.

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