Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe That’s Perfect for Dinner
A rich, velvety mac and cheese recipe featuring smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar for a creamy, indulgent dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups smoked Gouda cheese, grated
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Gouda and cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until fully melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.
- If desired, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and broil for 3-5 minutes for a golden, bubbly topping. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
[‘Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.’, “Add a splash of milk if the sauce is too thick, or cook longer to thicken if it’s too thin.”, ‘For a crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese in a baking dish for 3-5 minutes.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy, gouda, comfort food, easy dinner, quick recipe, cheesy pasta, family meal