Description
This smoked Gouda mac and cheese is a rich and creamy comfort food classic, featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a smooth, smoky cheese sauce made with smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it combines luxurious creaminess with a deep smoky flavor for an irresistible dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni
Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 cups (225g) shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
- Melt the butter: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
- Make the roux: Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook the mixture for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, stirring constantly.
- Add milk and cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Simmer and thicken: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate cheeses and seasoning: Stir in the shredded smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the rich, smoky cheese mixture.
- Serve: Serve the smoked Gouda mac and cheese immediately while warm and creamy for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added texture, top with toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well; add a splash of milk when warming to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American