Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

In a sauce pan, cook pasta according to package directions, or until al dente.

Step 3

At the same time, in a large sauce pan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.

Step 4

Whisk in the flour until well combined.

Step 5

Then slowly add in heavy cream. Stir and let mixture come up to a slight boil.

Step 6

Stir in the smoked paprika, black pepper, ground mustard, garlic powder.

Step 7

Lastly, add in the white cheddar cheese and half of the smoked gouda. Stir until all the cheese has melted.

Step 8

Drain the pasta and mix into the cheese sauce until well coated. Season with salt if needed.

Step 9

Transfer mixture into a small lightly greased baking dish, then top with the remaining smoked gouda cheese all over dish.

Step 10

Bake for 20 - 25 minutes or until mac and cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 11

Let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 12

Add the cooked crumbled bacon on top and serve.