Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Baked mac and cheese with smoked gouda, cheddar, and colby jack in a casserole dish.

Print Recipe

5 from 5 votes

This creamy baked mac and cheese with smoked gouda and cheddar is rich, cheesy and perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Course: holiday, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Keyword: christmas, Comfort food, soul food, southern, thanksgiving

Servings:

Author: August DeWindt

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 8x8 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

If you would like it less creamy, omit the cream cheese.

If you would like it less cheesy, take away 1 cup of cheese.

Sometimes the smoked gouda won't fully melt to give that perfect crust on top, so reserve only cheddar cheese on the side if you want that perfect top.

Nutrition