Smoked Gouda & Spinach Mac & Cheese

so. this was a big step for me.

i am a HUGE fan of homemade mac and cheese.

one teensy problem, when it comes to making the roux and the white sauce, before adding the yummyness of the cheese,

i can't do it.

i literally am a failure when it comes to thickening milk and flour.

of all things, i can't do something as simple as that?

it's frustrating beyond belief.

BUT... i finally think i mastered it! 

i finally made a thick, bubbly white sauce, that perfectly melted the cheese to create a perfect combo.

now enough about me and onto this bowl of delight.

anyone else love smoked gouda? i could possibly eat it for every meal.

that and peanut butter. and maybe nutella.

anyways so the combo of spinach and smoked gouda is pretty great. i'm not gonna lie.

the spinach is robust and flavorful, and has a great texture when it's wilted.

and we all know that gouda is all sorts of smoky goodness.

Smoked Gouda and Spinach Mac & Cheese

3 tbsp. unsalted butter
1/4 cup finely minced sweet onion
1/4 cup flour
2 1/2 cups 2% milk
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups spinach leaves, chopped
1/2 cup shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup shredded Smoked Gouda
3/4 pound elbow macaroni , cooked according to package instructions

panko bread crumbs for topping (optional)

in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and saute 5 minutes or until onions are soft. Whisk in flour until mixture is golden, and you've created a roux. 

Add milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is thickened and comes to a boil, about 10 minutes. Add a dash of salt and pepper.

Add spinach to sauce and stir once or twice, until spinach is slightly wilted. Stir in cheeses until completely melted. Add cooked pasta and stir. Serve immediately in large bowls, top with salt, pepper and panko bread crumbs.

enjoy!