Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy gouda Mac and cheese feature image scooped with spoon resting

5 from 1 vote

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 dish that's perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or a cozy weeknight meal.

Prep Time20

Cook Time20

Total Time40

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 699kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Large Pot
Saucepan
Whisk
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

Storage Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freeze Gouda mac and cheese is freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.

Reheat Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

Substitutions

Milk: Substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
Gouda Cheese: Try smoked Gouda for a different flavor.

Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.

Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition