Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe combines the rich flavors of Gouda, sharp cheddar, and mascarpone to create a side dish that's perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or a cozy weeknight meal.
Gouda Mac and Cheese is a delicious variation of the classic mac and cheese. This version uses a blend of creamy Gouda (not smoked), sharp white cheddar, and smooth mascarpone to create a rich and velvety cheese sauce. Originating from the Netherlands, Gouda cheese adds a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, making this dish a standout comfort food.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of Gouda, cheddar, and mascarpone creates a creamy cheese sauce.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults, making it perfect for family dinners.
- Versatile: Great as a main dish or a side, perfect for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, ideal for busy weeknights.
If you like this side dish, you may also love our Lobster Mac or our Broccoli Orzo.
Jump to:
- What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Instructions
- How to Make Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese
- What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
- How Should You Store This?
- What Are Some Expert Tips?
- More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
- Related
- FAQ
- 📖 Recipe
- Important Food Safety Tips
- 💬 Share Your Thoughts
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Large Elbow Macaroni: The perfect pasta shape to hold all that creamy cheese sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the roux.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Whole Milk: Provides the creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Mascarpone Cheese: Adds extra creaminess and a smooth texture.
- Gouda Cheese (not smoked): The star of the dish, bringing a mild, nutty flavor.
- Sharp White Cheddar: Adds a tangy kick and depth of flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispy, golden topping.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Adds flavor.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese
STEP ONE: Prepare the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water over medium heat. Add jumbo acaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
STEP THREE: Make the Cheese Sauce
Gradually add whole milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in mascarpone cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
Add shredded Gouda and sharp white cheddar, stirring until fully melted and combined.
STEP FOUR: Combine and Bake
Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, until it's well coated.
Transfer to a baking dish. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Remove to let cool and add toasted panko breadcrumbs on top.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Milk: Substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Gouda Cheese: Try smoked Gouda for a different flavor.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Diet: Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Flavor: Add garlic, cooked bacon bits, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Spice: Incorporate jalapeño or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking Dish
- Cheese Grater or Food Processor
How Should You Store This?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Gouda mac and cheese is freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
For the best results, always use freshly shredded cheese as pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover mascarpone in a creamy dessert.
- Add Gouda to a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on casseroles.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- Serve with a Quick & Healthy Arugula and Tomato Salad.
- Pair with crisp vegetables like these Green Beans with Almonds.
- Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Creamy Smoked Gouda Dip with Bacon
- Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
- White Cheddar and Broccoli Mac and Cheese
- Classic Baked Mac and Cheese
- Broccoli Orzo with parmesan cheese
- Creamy Asparagus Orzo with Peas
Related
More side dish recipes you will love:
FAQ
Young Gouda melts best due to its creamy texture. Aged Gouda can be used for a stronger flavor but may not melt as smoothly.
Use freshly shredded cheese and make sure to whisk continuously while adding the milk and cheeses.
Yes, prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
📖 Recipe
Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Baking dish
- Cheese Grater or Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 pound large elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup flour
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- ⅓ cup mascarpone
- 16 ounces gouda cheese shredded
- 8 ounces sharp white cheddar shredded
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus additional salt for boiling pasta
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water over medium heat. Add 1 pound jumbo macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt ⅓ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Gradually add 2 cups of whole milk, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. Stir in ⅓ cup mascarpone until melted and season with salt and pepper.
- Add 16 ounces shredded gouda cheese and 8 ounces shredded sharp white cheddar, stirring until fully melted and combined.
- Add the cooked jumbo macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
- In a small skillet, toast ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish. Sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Milk: Substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Gouda Cheese: Try smoked Gouda for a different flavor.
Nutrition
This Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese is a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Try it out, share your results, and explore more related recipes on our blog!
Important Food Safety Tips
All ingredients should be fresh and properly stored. Keep the cheese refrigerated until use. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and reheated thoroughly before consuming.
- Wash hands and create a clean work area.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov
Comments
No Comments