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Let me tell you, I don’t play when it comes to mac and cheese. My husband is obsessed with this smoked gouda mac and cheese, so you know I bring my A-game every time. This isn’t some basic baked mac, this is rich, creamy, and loaded with smoky, cheesy flavor.
I’ve been using smoked gouda in my baked mac and cheese for years now. An old co-worker of mine suggested I try smoked gouda in my baked macaroni and I haven’t looked back. i hope you enjoy this mac and cheese with smoked gouda recipe as much as I do!
Pair this with my Soul Food Collard Greens and Roasted Cornish Hens for the perfect dinner.
What is smoked gouda?
Smoked Gouda is a type of cheese with a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, smoky flavor that adds depth to dishes like this mac and cheese. Originating from the Netherlands, this semi-soft cheese is often smoked over hickory or oak wood, giving it a unique, savory taste that pairs well with the richness of cheddar and Colby Jack.
Ingredients for smoked gouda mac and cheese recipe
- Macaroni or cavatappi: Holds the cheese sauce well with its ridged shape.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and is the base of the roux.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce, making it extra creamy.
- Half and half: Creates a smooth, rich texture.
- Cream cheese: Adds an extra layer of creaminess to the sauce.
- Smoked gouda: The star ingredient, adding a subtle smoky flavor to the mac and cheese.
- Mild cheddar cheese: Melts easily and brings classic cheesy flavor.
- Colby Jack cheese: Adds creaminess and rounds out the cheese blend.
- Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder: These spices enhance the cheesy flavors and add a hint of smokiness.
The full written recipe with measurements is below on the recipe card.
How to make mac and cheese with smoked gouda
Shred all of your cheeses. Make sure to take off the rind from the smoked gouda before shredding.
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the macaroni until al dente according to the box directions.
In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter then lower the heat and whisk in the flour gradually to form a roux.
Gradually add half and half, stirring until smooth and then melt in the cream cheese. It’s okay if it isn’t perfectly melted.
Whisk in the cheeses, reserving some for topping, and season with spices.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
Top with the remaining cheese and bake for 35 minutes until golden.
Let it cool slightly, then dig in!
Commonly Asked Questions
Absolutely! Cavatappi, penne, or shells work well and hold onto the sauce.
Absolutely! Smoked gouda brings a unique, smoky flavor that makes each bite more interesting and complex.
You can substitute with equal parts milk and cream if half and half isn’t available. Evaporated milk or heavy cream works well too!
Yes! Feel free to mix in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or even some roasted veggies to make it your own.
Please remember to leave a review if you make this recipe. The feedback helps me to become a better cook and develop amazing recipes for you.
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 c Macaroni , or cavatappi
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 3/4 c half and half, room temperature
- 4 oz cream cheese , room temperature
- 1 c Smoked gouda , shredded
- 1 c mild Cheddar cheese , shredded
- 1/2 c sharp cheddar cheese , shredded
- 2 c colby jack , shredded
- ⅛ tsp black Pepper
- ¼ tsp Smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook the macaroni al dente in boiling water with a pinch of salt.
- In the meantime heat a pan over medium heat. Melt the butter in it. Reduce the heat to medium low and add the flour gradually and whisk constantly until it’s not clumpy and dissolved. About 2 minutes.
- Add the half and half in batches, whisking constantly until smooth. Bring the heat up to medium, add in the cream cheese and start to stir to melt. It's okay if it doesn't get perfectly melted.
- Gradually start whisking in the shredded cheeses. Do this as quickly as possible so it isn’t too thick. If it seems too thick, add in a little more half and half. It's okay if the last batch of cheese isn't completely melted. Save at least 1 3/4 cups of cheese on the side for topping and in the middle of the mac and cheese.
- Once the cheese is incorporated add in the spices and whisk. Remove from heat.
- By now the macaroni should be finished. Drain and add to the cheese sauce, stirring until incorporated.
- Transfer half of the macaroni to an 8×8 sized greased baking dish. Top with some of the reserved cheese. Add the remaining macaroni and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let cool a little, eat and enjoy!
Video
@theres.food.at.home Ep 3. Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese. The full recipe is on my blog! This recipe makes six servings. On the website, you can adjust the servings to make it less or more. I also have other mac and cheese recipes posted on my page under the Holiday playlist. #foodtiktok #thanksgivingrecipes #sides ♬ Nice and Easy – Louis Adrien
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can you make mac n cheese away ahead and bake it the next day
Hi Kathy, this isn’t something I would make ahead for the next day. The only part I make ahead sometimes is shredding the cheese the day before.
I made this recipe for Thanksgiving. It’s delicious! It will be my go-to mac & cheese recipe from this point forward. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much Judith! I’m so glad you liked this recipe. =)
This was amazing! Thank you so much
Thank you for the perfect , simple Mac & cheese recipe! So easy & practical for even the least culinary inclined individual lol. I made the small batch to test out & then doubled the measurements for the family on thanksgiving day . Everyone loved it !