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Beef Bacon, Salmon Bites, and Shrimp over Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese

Beef Bacon, Salmon Bites, and Shrimp over Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese

A decadent dish featuring creamy smoked gouda macaroni and cheese topped with crispy beef bacon, tender salmon bites, and succulent shrimp.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz Elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups Smoked gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Milk
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 4 oz Beef bacon, chopped
  • 8 oz Salmon fillet, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • to garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Cook the macaroni by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the cheese sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in the smoked gouda cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and combine with the cooked macaroni.
  3. Cook the beef bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
  4. In the same skillet, add olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Season the salmon bites and shrimp with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the salmon to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice.
  5. Assemble the dish by layering the smoked gouda macaroni and cheese in a large serving dish. Top with crispy beef bacon, cooked salmon bites, and shrimp. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to substitute the beef bacon with turkey bacon for a lighter option.