Smoked Gouda Jalapeño Mac and Cheese (The Recipe That Earned Me a Spot in the 100 Cooks Finale)
Creamy, smoky, cheesy, and loaded with crispy bacon, this Smoked Gouda Jalapeño Mac and Cheese is the recipe that earned me Best Dish during the summer cookout challenge on Food Network's 100 Cooks and secured my place in the finale. It's rich enough for holidays, easy enough for weeknight dinners, and the perfect side dish for BBQs and summer cookouts
Some recipes become family favorites.
Others become part of your story.
This Smoked Gouda Jalapeño Mac and Cheese will always remind me of one of the biggest moments of my cooking journey because it's the exact recipe that earned me a spot in the finale of Food Network's 100 Cooks.
Ironically, the challenge between me and the finale wasn't an individual cook—it was a team challenge.
If you've watched the show, you know how competitive I am. What viewers didn't see was one of my interviews where I joked, "I'm not a team player, and I can't believe I have to cook in a team challenge to make it to the finale!" At the time, I couldn't imagine putting my fate in someone else's hands.
Thankfully, our team captain, Alexia, picked me and Jeezil.
Looking back, I couldn't have asked for a better team. Alexia's passion for cooking is contagious, and her Italian roots shine through in everything she makes. Jeezil became like a brother throughout the competition, and from day one we naturally cooked well together. Once we started planning our menu, I knew our cooking styles complemented each other perfectly.
The challenge was to create the ultimate summer cookout menu.
Jeezil prepared his famous spicy chicken with his unforgettable hot sauce. Alexia made her signature corn salad—a recipe she said everyone requests at family gatherings.
That left me deciding between potato salad and homemade mac and cheese.
I knew our menu needed a rich, creamy side dish, but I also knew this wasn't the time for ordinary mac and cheese. If I was going to cook for my spot in the finale, it needed to be unforgettable.
That's when I started building this recipe.
Fresh jalapeños for just the right amount of heat.
Smoked Gouda for rich, smoky flavor.
Creamy shells that hold every bite of cheese sauce.
And crispy bacon because...well...everything is better with bacon.
What made the day even harder was that earlier in the competition I had accidentally grabbed a blazing hot cast iron skillet with my bare hand during the Luxury Dinner Challenge. My hand was badly burned, but there wasn't time to slow down. I had to keep cooking because this challenge determined whether I would continue in the competition.
When the judges tasted this Smoked Gouda Jalapeño Mac and Cheese, they loved it.
It earned Best Dish in our group and secured my place in the finale.
Now I'm sharing the exact recipe so you can make it for your own family. Whether you're serving it alongside grilled burgers, smoked chicken, ribs, pulled pork, or your holiday dinner, I hope it becomes one of those recipes everyone asks you to bring.
Why You'll Love This Smoked Gouda Jalapeño Mac and Cheese
Ultra creamy homemade cheese sauce
Smoky Gouda adds incredible depth of flavor
Fresh jalapeños add just the right amount of heat
Crispy bacon takes it over the top
Ready in about 40 minutes
Perfect for cookouts, BBQs, holidays, potlucks, and weeknight dinners
The exact recipe that earned me a place in the finale of Food Network's 100 Cooks
What to Serve with Smoked Gouda Jalapeño Mac and Cheese
This creamy mac and cheese pairs perfectly with:
BBQ ribs
Smoked brisket
Grilled chicken
Burgers
Pulled pork sandwiches
Smoked sausage
Grilled steaks
BBQ chicken thighs
Corn salad
Baked beans
Coleslaw
📝 Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium shell pasta (½ of a 16-ounce box)
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, sliced into thin rounds
- 7 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, freshly grated
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
- Salt, to taste
- 1 cup of Mozzarella Cheese, grated
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
👩🍳 Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water.
- 2
While the pasta cooks, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3
Add the diced jalapeños and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- 4
Sprinkle in half of the flour and stir to combine. Add the remaining flour and continue stirring until a thick paste (roux) forms.
- 5
Reduce the heat to medium. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, followed by about ½ cup of the milk until smooth.
- 6
Gradually whisk in the remaining milk until the sauce is creamy and lump-free.
- 7
Add the grated smoked Gouda a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted before adding more.
- 8
Stir in the cooked pasta, followed by the reserved pasta water. If you'd like the sauce even creamier, add an extra splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- 9
Season with salt to taste.
- 10
In a small skillet, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter. Add the jalapeño rounds and sauté for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and softened.
- 11
Spoon the mac and cheese into a serving bowl and top/eat as is with your toppings or sprinkle on mozzarella cheese and throw it into the oven on 350 for 5 minutes then top with crispy bacon and the buttery jalapeño slices.
- 12
Serve immediately while hot, creamy, and perfectly melty.
💡 Tips for Success
- Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated smoked Gouda melts much smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Salt your pasta water: This is your first chance to season the pasta and makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Reserve the pasta water: The starch in the water helps create an incredibly silky cheese sauce.
- Adjust the heat: Removing the jalapeño seeds keeps the spice level mild. Want more kick? Leave some seeds in or add an extra jalapeño.
- Don't let the sauce boil: Once the dairy is added, keep the heat at medium or lower for the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce.
- Serve immediately: Mac and cheese is always at its creamiest right off of the stove or oven.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is this spicy?
Not overly spicy. Since the jalapeños are de-seeded, you'll get a gentle heat that balances perfectly with the rich smoked Gouda.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Make it a day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat slowly on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
Do I have to bake it?
You do not have to and can eat it right off of the stove. However, baking it makes it better with the cheese on top!
What if I can't find smoked Gouda?
Regular Gouda works well, but smoked Gouda gives this recipe the signature flavor that made it a winning dish.
What should I serve with it?
This mac and cheese pairs perfectly with: Smoked or grilled chicken Pulled pork Burgers Ribs Brisket Grilled steaks BBQ sandwiches
🍴 You Might Also Like
Dinner35 minutes
Shrimp Lasagna Roll Ups (From Food Network's 100 Cooks)
These Shrimp Lasagna Roll Ups are filled with creamy Boursin and ricotta cheese, tender Cajun-seasoned shrimp, and topped with a rich homemade Alfredo sauce and melted mozzarella. Inspired by my most requested dish from 100 Cooks, this comforting seafood pasta is packed with flavor and perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Dinner3 to 6 hours
Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes
This Crockpot Parmesan Garlic Chicken Bacon Ranch Potatoes recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken, buttery potatoes, creamy parmesan garlic sauce, ranch seasoning, melted mozzarella, crispy bacon, and parmesan cheese all come together in one easy slow cooker meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Dinner25 to 30 min
Award-Winning Smashburger Tacos (As Seen on Food Network's 100 Cooks)
These crispy Smashburger Tacos with a cheddar cheese crust won Best One-of-a-Kind Burger on Food Network's 100 Cooks. Easy, cheesy, and unforgettable!
Made this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @holleyinthekitchen — I'd love to see it!Recipe from Holley in the Kitchen: https://holleyinthekitchen.com/recipe/smoked-gouda-jalape-o-mac-and-cheese-the-recipe-that-earned-me-a-spot-in-the-100-cooks-finale