If you’re looking for a side that steals the show, this Smoked Bacon Gouda Mac n Cheese is about to earn a permanent spot on your table. It’s creamy, smoky, buttery, and loaded with rich, melty cheese—everything comfort food should be. The best part? It packs impressive protein while keeping the macros balanced, making it one of those “indulgent without going overboard” recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or contributing a standout dish to a potluck, this savory crowd-pleaser delivers every single time. One bite in, and you’ll understand why this recipe gets requested on repeat.

Macros per serve

368 Calories
25g Protein
33g Carbs
14g Fat

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Ingredients — Serves 10

450g Smart Protein Spiral Pasta Vette
1 teaspoon salt
50g I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter
40g all-purpose flour
2 cups (200g) Gouda cheese, freshly grated
1 cup (100g) sharp cheddar, freshly grated
150g turkey bacon (you can use real bacon but the fat content will be much higher)
650ml (2% milk)
1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground (optional)

Topping

30g panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon parsley, fresh, minced super fine (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta:
    Boil the 450g protein spiral pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. Cook the turkey bacon:
    Crisp 150g turkey bacon in a skillet, then chop and set aside.

  3. Make the roux:
    In a large pot, melt 50g I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter over medium heat. Whisk in 40g flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.

  4. Add the milk & thicken:
    Slowly whisk in 650ml 2% milk. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.

  5. Add the cheese:
    Turn heat to low and stir in the 200g Gouda, 100g sharp cheddar, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional). Stir until completely melted and smooth.

  6. Combine everything:
    Add the cooked pasta and turkey bacon to the cheese sauce and mix well.

  7. Add the topping:
    Sprinkle over 30g panko, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tbsp parmesan, and parsley (optional).

  8. Bake:
    Transfer to a greased baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden.

  9. Serve:
    Rest 5 minutes, then serve warm.

Why you’ll love this recipe

  • Creamy, smoky, and ultra-comforting — the perfect blend of Gouda, cheddar, and warm spices.

  • High in protein thanks to smart ingredient swaps that keep the macros aligned with your goals.

  • Holiday-worthy flavor that feels indulgent without being heavy or overly rich.

  • Crowd-pleasing and reliable — guests always ask for seconds (and the recipe).

  • Easy to prep ahead so you can stress less and enjoy more time with family.

  • Balanced ingredients that deliver that classic mac n cheese experience with a lighter twist.

  • Simple step-by-step instructions anyone can follow, even on a busy holiday cooking day.

  • Perfect for potlucks, Thanksgiving, or cozy winter dinners when comfort food is calling.

Want more macro-friendly recipe favorites?

If you love recipes that feel indulgent and align with your goals, you’ll find hundreds more inside Holly’s BiaFit app. From high-protein comfort meals to quick weeknight dinners and science-backed workout programs, everything you need to stay consistent is right at your fingertips.

You can check out the app and explore the full recipe library, training programs, and progress-tracking tools here: https://getbiafit.com/