Skillet Mac N Cheese

SKILLET SMOKED GOUDA MAC N CHEESE WITH BROWN SUGAR PECAN CRUMBLE

It’s always national macaroni and cheese day if our house had it’s way. We’re a carby, noodle family, and so what if there’s only two of us.

I am a sweet and savory machine, and I’ve turned Brandon onto the combo as well. This skillet macaroni and cheese spares no exception to Flavortown!

After it’s done baking, you can even pour some chunky curly noodles into some phyllo cups, and you’ve got yourself some finger foods for a party! Don’t forget to sprinkle some honey y’all!

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked cavatappi noodles

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 4 tablespoons AP flour

• 1 tablespoon mustard powder

• 2 cups half and half

• 4 oz cream cheese

• 3 cups sharp grated cheddar

• 1.5 cups smoked grated gouda

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup light brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon granulated garlic

• 1 T smoked paprika

• 1/2 chopped pecans

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 tsp seal salt

• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a 12” cast iron skillet, heat a 12 inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Melt 1/2 cup of butter and whisk in the flour until a smooth, thin paste forms.

Then whisk in the mustard powder. Carefully pour in the half and half and bring up to a boil while whisking.

Reduce the heat and whisk in the cream cheese until smooth. Whisk in the sharp cheddar cheese and smoked gouda cheese and stir until melted.

Turn off the heat and pour in the cooked cavatappi noodles.

Stir gently until the noodles are coated by the cheese sauce.

Combine the melted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, smoked paprika, granulated garlic powder, salt, pepper and Tabasco sauce with panko bread crumbs and pecans in a small bowl.

Sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.

Place skillet in oven for 35 minutes until top is golden brown.

I like to serve a bowl with a side of phyllo cups for some extra crunch!