Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese is a creamy, indulgent twist on a classic comfort dish. The smoky flavor of Gouda elevates traditional mac and cheese, creating a rich and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and easy to prepare, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 400g elbow macaroni
- 250g smoked Gouda, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute.
- Add milk: Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Incorporate cheese: Add shredded smoked Gouda gradually, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Fold gently to coat evenly.
- Prepare topping (optional): Mix breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
For added flavor, fold in vegetables like broccoli or roasted bell peppers.
For a richer dish, mix smoked Gouda with mild cheddar or mozzarella.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and smoked paprika.