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Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4 from 67 reviews

This rich and creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe elevates the classic comfort food with smoked gouda and a smooth, flavorful cheese sauce. The pasta is enveloped in a luscious blend of gouda and cheddar cheeses, baked to perfection with a golden, bubbly topping. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this dish offers a deliciously indulgent twist on traditional macaroni and cheese.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt (for pasta water)
  • 12 ounces macaroni (or other short pasta)

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt (for roux)
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • 8 ounces gouda cheese, shredded (smoked or regular)
  • 2 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded

Topping

  • 4-6 ounces gouda cheese (or substitute cheddar cheese)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch skillet or a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking oil spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Cook the macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onion: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  4. Make the Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour, mustard powder, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook this mixture, stirring frequently, for 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
  5. Add Milk and Melt Cheese: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens, which should take a few minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded gouda and cheddar cheeses until smooth and melted.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 4-6 ounces of gouda cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.

Notes

  • Use smoked gouda for a richer, smoky flavor or regular gouda for a milder taste.
  • Substitute cheddar for gouda in the topping if desired for a sharper finish.
  • For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream when adding milk.
  • Make sure to cook pasta al dente as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.