Description
This Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comforting main dish featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, a velvety sauce with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and smoky Gouda. Rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy, this mac and cheese is easy to make and perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pasta
- 1 (8 oz) box elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted sweet cream butter
- 4 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp mustard powder
- 2 cups half and half
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups grated smoked Gouda cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- Prepare the Roux: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and a paste forms, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Mustard Powder: Whisk in the mustard powder until it is evenly incorporated into the roux.
- Add Half and Half: Gradually pour in the half and half while whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring no lumps remain and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Cheddar and Gouda: Add the shredded cheddar and grated smoked Gouda cheese to the sauce. Whisk until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is rich and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the pan from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni, stirring gently until all the pasta is well coated with the cheese sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while itโs hot and creamy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
- Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions for variety.
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 80mg