Looking to take your comfort food game to the next level? Look no further than this homemade Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe! With a combination of gouda, smoked gouda, and sharp cheddar cheese, this recipe provides a flavor explosion with every bite. Get ready to dive into a bowl of cheesy perfection!
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food – Gouda and Cheddar Mac and Cheese!
This recipe will take your love for mac and cheese to new heights with its creamy texture and rich, cheesy flavor.
It's the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings on a cozy night or to wow your family and friends at a potluck.
Get ready to savor every spoonful and embrace the joy of homemade comfort food!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Elbow Noodles: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice and perfect for making mac and cheese with gouda, but you could use another short pasta like penne.
- Butter: Feel free to use either salted or unsalted butter.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour acts as a thickening agent in the sauce. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
- Whole Milk: The creamy base of the sauce. If you're looking for a richer flavor, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream.
- Cheddar Cheese: A classic choice for mac and cheese, sharp cheddar cheese brings a tangy flavor. For best flavor, I recommend avoiding pre-shredded cheese.
- Gouda Cheese: Gouda cheese adds a creamy and slightly sweet taste to the mac and cheese.
- Smoked Gouda Cheese: Once you make mac and cheese with smoked gouda, you may never make it any other way! The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor to the mac and cheese. If you're not a fan of mustard, you can omit it or substitute with a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors in your dish. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a hint of spiciness and complements the cheese flavors. You can adjust the amount based on your personal preference.
- Cayenne Pepper: This adds a subtle hint of heat to your mac and gouda cheese. Feel free to omit if you don’t care for heat.
Topping
- Butter: Melted butter is used for the crunchy breadcrumb topping. You can substitute with olive oil if desired.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add a light and crispy texture to the topping. If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used as a substitute.
Step by Step Instructions
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Preheat the broiler to high.
Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain.
Place under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Tips and Tricks
- Get Cheesy: Use a combination of Gouda and another cheese, like Cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a rich and flavorful mac and cheese. The Gouda adds a creamy and slightly smoky taste that takes it to the next level.
- Don’t Skip the Broiler: Place your skillet under the broiler for just a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning and achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Let It Rest: Allow your Gouda Mac and Cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and allows the sauce to set for that perfect texture.
- Get Creative: Feel free to customize your mac and cheese by adding in extra ingredients like cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even roasted vegetables. Let your imagination run wild and make it your own signature dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Picanha Roast: Pair your Gouda Mac and Cheese with a juicy and flavorful picanha roast. This Brazilian-style cut of beef is incredibly tender and full of rich, beefy flavors.
- Balsamic Green Beans: Add some freshness and tang to your meal with a side of balsamic green beans. The acidity of the balsamic vinegar cuts through the richness of the mac and cheese, creating a well-balanced and satisfying bite.
- Broccoli Apple Salad: The crispness of the broccoli and the sweetness of the apple provide a delightful contrast to the creamy mac and cheese, making each bite a burst of flavors and textures.
- Ninja Foodi Chicken Breast: This easy main course is the perfect complement to your cheesy masterpiece for a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, Instagram, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
30-Minute Gouda Mac and Cheese
Looking to take your comfort food game to the next level? Look no further than this smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe! With a combination of gouda, smoked gouda, and sharp cheddar cheese, this recipe provides a flavor explosion with every bite. Get ready to dive into a bowl of cheesy perfection!
Servings: 12
Calories: 592kcal
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 pound gouda cheese shredded
- ½ pound smoked gouda shredded
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the broiler to high.
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the flour, and whisk until golden brown. Add the milk, and cook for 6 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low, and add all but ½ cup of the cheese. Cook until the cheese melts, about 3 or 4 minutes.
- Stir in the mustard, salt, black pepper and cayenne.
- Melt the butter in a large oven-safe skillet and add the panko. Cook for 5 minutes, until lightly browned. Transfer to a bowl.
- Toss the drained pasta and cheese sauce in the skillet.
- Top the pasta with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese and the breadcrumbs.
- Place under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Nutrition
Calories: 592kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 991mg | Potassium: 284mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 961IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 754mg | Iron: 1mg
Leave a Comment & Rate this Recipe