Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese – Ultra Creamy & Cheesy!
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese – Ultra Creamy & Cheesy! This rich and creamy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, combining the delightful smokiness of Gouda with a luscious cheese sauce. Its velvety texture and satisfying flavors will impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it straight from the pot or adding a baked breadcrumb topping for a crunchy finish, this mac and cheese is sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your choice of proteins and veggies, making it a versatile meal option. Enjoy a warm bowl of this cheesy goodness tonight!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole or low-fat)
- 2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in shredded smoked Gouda and cheddar cheeses until melted. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper; adjust seasoning as desired.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
- For an optional baked version, transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 60mg