Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese

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Few comfort foods deliver the same soul-warming satisfaction as a bowl of mac and cheese, but when smoked gouda enters the picture, things move to an entirely new level. Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese is rich, creamy, slightly smoky, and deeply comforting — the kind of dish that feels indulgent, nostalgic, and elevated all at once.

Smoked gouda brings a mellow smokiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, adding depth without overpowering the dish. Combined with sharp cheddar for balance and finished with a buttery breadcrumb topping, this mac and cheese is perfect for holidays, family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you want comfort food that feels just a little special.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy stovetop mac and baked mac with a crisp topping — giving you the best of both worlds.

Why Smoked Gouda Makes This Mac & Cheese Exceptional

Smoked gouda melts beautifully and offers a subtle smoky flavor that transforms classic mac and cheese into something memorable. Unlike stronger smoked cheeses, gouda remains smooth and mellow, making it approachable even for kids and picky eaters.

This mac and cheese is:

  • Ultra creamy and rich
  • Balanced with smoky and sharp cheese flavors
  • Perfect as a main or side dish
  • Crowd-pleasing and make-ahead friendly

It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your comfort food rotation.

Ingredients

Mac & Cheese

  • Elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
  • Unsalted butter
  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Smoked gouda cheese, freshly shredded
  • Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Smoked paprika

Topping

  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Roux
    In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Create the Sauce
    Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and smooth.
  4. Add the Cheese
    Lower heat and stir in smoked gouda and cheddar until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
    Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
  6. Prepare the Topping
    In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and parmesan.
  7. Bake (Optional but Recommended)
    Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumb topping, and bake until golden and bubbly.
  8. Serve Hot
    Let rest briefly, then serve warm and creamy.

Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese

Ultra-creamy mac and cheese made with smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, and a buttery breadcrumb topping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Mac & Cheese
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups smoked gouda cheese shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
Topping
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter melted

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish

Method
 

  1. Cook macaroni until al dente; drain.
  2. Make roux with butter and flour.
  3. Whisk in milk and cream until thick.
  4. Stir in cheeses and seasonings.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce.
  6. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden.

Notes

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.

Pro Tips for the Creamiest Mac & Cheese

  • Shred your own cheese — pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly.
  • Low heat for cheese prevents grainy sauce.
  • Don’t overbake — just enough to brown the topping.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.

Delicious Variations

  • Bacon Gouda Mac: Stir in crispy bacon bits.
  • Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or cayenne.
  • Three-Cheese Blend: Add fontina or gruyère.
  • Smoky BBQ Style: Add pulled pork on top.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese as:

  • A holiday side dish
  • A cozy main course
  • A potluck favorite
  • A pairing for BBQ or roasted meats

Add a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. Leftovers store well for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully with a splash of milk.

Why This Recipe Always Impresses

This isn’t just mac and cheese — it’s a grown-up, flavor-packed comfort dish that still feels familiar. Smoky, creamy, and perfectly cheesy, it’s the kind of recipe people remember and request again.

Once you make it, classic mac and cheese might never feel the same.

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