Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe for the Ultimate Comfort
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, this Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe is your perfect choice. Rich, creamy, and packed with the smoky, nutty flavor of Gouda cheese, this dish turns a simple pasta dinner into a gourmet treat. Perfect for family meals, dinner parties, or cozy nights in, it’s a recipe that balances indulgence with simplicity. The smooth cheese sauce clings to each macaroni bite, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. With minimal prep time and pantry-friendly ingredients, this mac and cheese can be whipped up quickly yet impresses every time. One taste and you’ll be adding it to your regular menu.
Ingredients Of Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe
Why You Will Love This Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Gouda Mac and Cheese combines the smokiness of Gouda with the sharpness of cheddar for a luxuriously creamy pasta. It’s quick to prepare, customizable with add-ins, and perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. Comfort food at its finest, it delivers a rich, satisfying flavor in every bite.
Preparation Process Of Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe
Boil pasta until al dente, then make a roux with butter and flour. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, then melt in Gouda and cheddar for a silky sauce. Toss pasta in sauce, season to taste, and top with breadcrumbs if desired. Bake until golden or serve creamy straight from the pot.
Step By Step Instructions
Cook pasta
Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.
Make the roux
Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
Add liquids
Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
Melt cheeses
Add shredded Gouda and cheddar, stirring until fully melted into a creamy sauce.
Combine pasta and sauce
Toss cooked pasta in cheese sauce until fully coated. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Optional bake
For a crispy top, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown.
How to Serve?
- Pair with garlic bread for a classic Italian touch
- Serve with a crisp Caesar or garden salad
- Top with extra parmesan before serving
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for aroma and color
- Offer a side of roasted vegetables for balance
Tips & Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Try a blend of cheeses for richer flavor.
Add spinach or zucchini slices for extra nutrition.
Prepare a vegetarian version with mushrooms and bell peppers.
Make it spicy with crushed red pepper flakes.
Use whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist.
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrate: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
Recipe Card
Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe
Course: Mac and Cheese Recipe6 people
servings10
minutes25
minutes520
kcalThis Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe brings together the smoky richness of Gouda and the tangy sharpness of cheddar for the perfect creamy pasta dish. With a luscious cheese sauce enveloping tender macaroni, this recipe offers the best of comfort food and gourmet flavor in one. Quick to prepare yet impressive enough for guests, it can be served creamy from the pot or baked with a crispy topping. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. One bite and you’ll be hooked on its cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika
Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Cook pasta
- Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later.
- Make the roux
- Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Add liquids
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Melt cheeses
- Add shredded Gouda and cheddar, stirring until fully melted into a creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta and sauce
- Toss cooked pasta in cheese sauce until fully coated. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Optional bake
- For a crispy top, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Shred cheese yourself for better melting; pre-shredded may clump.
- Adjust seasonings after cheese is added for best balance.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour substitute.
FAQs
Conclusion
This Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe is the perfect blend of smoky flavor, creamy texture, and cheesy indulgence. Whether served creamy straight from the stove or baked for a crispy crust, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. Comfort food has never tasted this delicious or looked this impressive.
