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Smoked gouda mac and cheese

The Best Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe You’ll Love

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Prep Time 15 minutes
20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Elbow Macaroni (2cups)
  • Smoked Gouda Cheese (2cups, shredded)
  • Cheddar Cheese (1cup, shredded)
  • Whole Milk (1½ cups)
  • Heavy Cream (1cup)
  • Butter (4 tablespoons)
  • Flour (¼ cup)
  • Garlic Powder (½teaspoon):
  • Mustard Powder (½teaspoon)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black Pepper
  • Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta:
    Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the elbowmacaroni and cook as directed on the package, typically for 8-10 minutes, untilthe pasta is al dente (firm yet tender). Drain the pasta and set it aside,saving a small cup of pasta water in case it's needed later.
    Smoked gouda mac and cheese
  • Make the Roux:
    In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add theflour and whisk it constantly for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes asmooth paste and turns a light golden color. This step is crucial as it formsthe base of the creamy cheese sauce.
    Smoked gouda mac and cheese
  • Add the Milk and Cream:
    Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously toprevent any lumps. Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat until itthickens, about 4-5 minutes. Stir constantly to ensure a smoothconsistency.
  • Incorporate the Cheeses:
    Once the sauce hasthickened, reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded smoked goudacheese and cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring until both cheesesare fully melted and the sauce is smooth. The combination of these two cheeseswill create a rich, creamy, and slightly smoky flavor.
  • Season the Sauce:
    Add the garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir tocombine all the seasonings into the cheese sauce. Feel free to adjust theseasoning to your preference for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce:
    Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir until thepasta is well-coated with the creamy mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, youcan add a small amount of reserved pasta water to achieve your desiredconsistency.
    Smoked gouda mac and cheese
  • Optional: Bake for a Crispy Topping:
    For a baked version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac andcheese into a greased baking dish, then top with breadcrumbs for a crispy,golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
    Smoked gouda mac and cheese