Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe
A creamy and comforting Gouda Mac and Cheese featuring tender pasta enveloped in a rich, buttery Gouda cheese sauce. This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic mac and cheese using smoked Gouda, adding a unique depth of flavor that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded Gouda cheese (preferably smoked for extra flavor)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth paste. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add the milk: Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the shredded Gouda cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to ensure each piece of pasta is well coated with the creamy Gouda sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot as a comforting main dish or side.
Notes
- Use smoked Gouda for a richer, deeper flavor, or sweet Gouda for a milder taste.
- For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a little longer before adding the cheese.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for a subtle warmth.
- To add texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes for a crispy crust.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
Keywords: Gouda mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, smoked Gouda recipe, comfort food, cheesy pasta
Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/creamy-gouda-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
