This isn't your average mac and cheese—it's a smoky, creamy, flavor-packed masterpiece. Made with a decadent blend of smoked Gouda, smoked cheddar, and smoked salmon cream cheese, every bite is silky and indulgent. Tender pieces of sauteed salmon are folded in for a rich, savory twist that takes comfort food to gourmet heights. It's bold, satisfying, and unforgettable.
Serves: 6 Prep Time: 30 mins Cook Time: 40 mins
This dish is next-level comfort! The smokiness of the cheeses and the salmon is a game changer for this mac & cheese!
For the Salmon
- 1 lb salmon, skin removed, cleaned, patted dry, and cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons CRAVE Smoked Seasoning
For the Mac & Cheese
- 1 1/2 cups macaroni
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 2 cups smoked cheddar cheese, freshly grated and divided
- 2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, freshly grated and divided
- 1/2 container Philadelphia Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese
- 2 1/2 cups evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup half-and-half
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Prepare the Salmon
- Season the salmon pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, and CRAVE Smoked Seasoning.
- Cook the salmon in the air fryer or sauté in a skillet for about 6–8 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Remove the salmon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, if needed, to absorb any excess oil.
- Set aside to cool slightly.

Make the Cheese Sauce
- Reserve 1/2 cup smoked cheddar and 1/2 cup smoked Gouda for the topping.
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the butter and flour.
- Whisk together until smooth and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Slowly pour in the evaporated milk and half-and-half, whisking until well combined.
- Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining 1 1/2 cups smoked cheddar and 1 1/2 cups smoked Gouda, adding a little at a time and allowing the cheese to melt between additions.
- Add the smoked salmon cream cheese and whisk until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Gently fold the cooked salmon into the cheese sauce.
- Turn off the heat.
Cook the Macaroni
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente.
- Drain well, then add the macaroni directly to the salmon cheese sauce.
- Gently stir until all of the macaroni is coated in the creamy sauce.
Bake the Mac & Cheese
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Transfer the salmon mac & cheese to a baking dish.
- Top evenly with the reserved 1/2 cup smoked cheddar and 1/2 cup smoked Gouda.
- Cover with foil and bake for about 15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and switch the oven to broil.
- Broil briefly until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly charred in spots. Keep a close eye on it—it can brown quickly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Say Your Grace and Enjoy!! ❤️🐟

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