Gouda Mac and Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Gouda Mac and Cheese stands out for its smooth, creamy texture and incredible flavor. Gouda melts beautifully, creating a luxurious sauce with just the right balance of sharpness and sweetness. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Serve it as a comforting main dish or a crowd-pleasing side that pairs well with nearly anything.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Elbow macaroni (or any short pasta like cavatappi or shells)
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• Shredded Gouda cheese (smoked or regular)
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for added flavor)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Paprika or smoked paprika
• Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
4. Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded Gouda (and cheddar, if using) until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
5. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
6. Optional baked version: Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people and takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep, 10 minutes for stovetop cooking, and 10 minutes for optional baking.

Variations

• Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese: Use smoked Gouda for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Four-Cheese Blend: Mix Gouda with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for extra richness.
• Add-Ins: Stir in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted broccoli for more texture and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Truffle Mac and Cheese: Drizzle with a touch of truffle oil for an upscale twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each one. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use smoked Gouda instead of regular Gouda?

Yes, smoked Gouda adds a rich, savory flavor that’s perfect for this recipe.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour for the roux.

What kind of milk works best?

Whole milk or half-and-half gives the creamiest texture, but you can use 2% milk for a lighter version.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce, so it’s worth shredding it yourself.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let the sauce simmer a bit longer or add a little more cheese until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make Gouda Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve, adding 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs well with roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a simple green salad.

Can I mix Gouda with other cheeses?

Definitely. Gouda pairs well with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Havarti for extra flavor complexity.

How can I make it extra creamy?

Add a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.

What’s the best pasta for mac and cheese?

Elbow macaroni is classic, but cavatappi, shells, or penne also hold the sauce beautifully.

Conclusion

Gouda Mac and Cheese is a rich, indulgent take on a classic comfort dish. With its smooth, creamy sauce and distinct, slightly smoky flavor, it’s the perfect recipe to satisfy any cheese lover. Whether served as a side or the main attraction, this easy-to-make dish brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of gourmet flair to your table.

Gouda Mac and Cheese

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Gouda Mac and Cheese is a creamy, indulgent twist on the classic comfort dish, made with smooth, nutty Gouda cheese that melts into a rich, velvety sauce. It’s simple to make yet tastes gourmet, making it perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop or Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni (or short pasta like cavatappi or shells)
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (or half-and-half)
• 2 cups shredded Gouda cheese (smoked or regular)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded Gouda and cheddar until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
5. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until evenly coated.
6. For a baked version, transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

• Use smoked Gouda for a deeper, more complex flavor.
• Add-ins like bacon, roasted broccoli, or caramelized onions enhance flavor and texture.
• Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour.
• For extra creaminess, mix in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
• Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 75mg