Triple Gouda Macaroni & Cheese

When the weather outside is frightful...
I want nothing more than to cozy up and cook up a storm. And I can't think of a better comfort food than creamy, cheesy, macaroni and cheese.   Made even more decadent with three types of Gouda and garlic bread crumbs.
So turn on the oven, light a fire, pour some wine, stay in pj's...get cozy and get cooking!

Recipe developed for Beemster

Serves: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

6 tablespoons butter, divided
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups milk
2 cups shredded Beemster Mild
2 cups shredded Beemster Smoked
1 cup finely shredded Beemster XO, divided
1 pound pipette pasta or elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 clove garlic, pressed (optional)
2 tablespoons dried parsley
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Preheat oven to 350°F.  Melt butter in 3-quart saucepot over medium heat.  Add onion and 2 cloves garlic and cook 5 minutes or until tender.  Stir in flour and salt and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.  Gradually stir in milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture is thickened and bubbly, about 3 minutes. Add Beemster Mild, Smoked and ½ cup XO and stir until melted.

Add pasta to 3-quart baking dish.  Pour sauce over pasta and stir gently until evenly coated.  Combine remaining Beemster XO with bread crumbs, remaining clove garlic and parsley.  Sprinkle evenly over pasta.

Bake 25 minutes or until mixture is bubbling and golden brown.