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Roasted Poblano and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

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Ingredients

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Gather the following ingredients to make your Roasted Poblano and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese:

  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
  • 2 large poblano peppers
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups smoked gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for toasting breadcrumbs, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Poblano Peppers:

  1. Roast the Poblanos: Preheat your oven’s broiler and place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet. Roast for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skins are blistered and charred.
  2. Peel and Dice: Transfer the peppers to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 5 minutes. Once cooled, peel off the skins, remove the seeds, and dice the peppers.

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

  1. Create the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  2. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  3. Season: Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  4. Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in smoked gouda, cheddar, and parmesan until melted and smooth.

Combine and Bake (Optional):

  1. Mix Together: Stir the cooked pasta and diced poblano peppers into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  2. Optional Topping: If using, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
  3. Bake: Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

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