Description

This creamy smoked Gouda mac & cheese recipe features a rich, smoky flavor paired with a buttery, crispy topping for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (200g) elbow macaroni
2 cups (225g) smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
1 cup (115g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups (475ml) whole milk
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it smells slightly nutty but doesn’t brown.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Reduce heat to low and add the shredded Gouda and cheddar, one handful at a time. Stir until melted and smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until it’s fully coated. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over the mac & cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the topping is golden and crisp.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Shred your own cheese for a smoother sauce.’, ‘Don’t skip the roux step—it’s essential for a creamy base.’, ‘Season generously with salt and pepper.’, ‘Use high-quality smoked Gouda for the best flavor.’, ‘Keep an eye on the topping to avoid overbaking.’]

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3
Sodium: 400
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 12
Carbohydrates: 40
Fiber: 1
Protein: 15

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked gouda, comfort food, cheesy pasta, crispy topping, easy dinner