Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese is a comforting classic turned gourmet with its rich, smoky flavors and creamy texture that makes it perfect for a cozy evening at home.
The combination of smoked Gouda and sharp Cheddar cheeses creates a creamy, rich sauce that gives this mac and cheese a delicious smoky flavor.
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe Highlights
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Loved by both kids and adults, perfect for a family dinner.
- Ideal for those chilly evenings when you crave something hearty.
- Great to give an old Thanksgiving side dish a delicious makeover
- Uses simple, readily available ingredients for a no-fuss cooking experience.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
PASTA – I used classic elbow macaroni, but you can substitute any short-grain pasta of your choice. Other options that would be great for holding onto all that cheesy sauce are cavatappi, fusilli, or shell pasta.
DAIRY – I used Half & Half. You could substitute 2% or whole milk for a lighter sauce or heavy cream for a richer, creamier texture.
GOUDA – I used smoked gouda this time, but regular gouda cheese is great in this recipe, too! The smoked gouda cheese sauce is a great option for summer barbecues or picnics with a subtle smoky flavor that pairs well with anything on the grill. The regular gouda is a more traditional mac and cheese flavor and my kid’s favorite.
CHEDDAR – I like to add two cheeses to add a little more depth of flavor to my mac and cheese. For this recipe, I used Sharp cheddar cheese, but White Cheddar cheese would be a great option.
How To Make Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Heat 1 cup of Half & Half with kosher salt until simmering. Meanwhile, whisk the remaining Half & Half with cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering Half & Half, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat, stir in the grated smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar until melted, then mix with the cooked macaroni.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE – To keep your Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese tasting fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. Remember, the key to maintaining the best flavor and texture is to cool your leftovers before sealing them away.
FREEZE – Freezing is a great option if you want to extend the life of your mac and cheese. Place it in a freezer-safe container and it will be good for up to 2 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before freezing to avoid ice crystal formation, which can affect the creamy texture.
REHEAT – For the best results, reheat your mac and cheese on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help the sauce regain its creamy consistency. Stir gently and consistently to ensure even heating without burning. Microwave reheating is quick and convenient; cover the dish and use a lower power setting to avoid drying it out.
More Easy and Delicious Macaroni Pasta Recipe
Serving Suggestions
GARLIC BREAD – Ideal for scooping up creamy bites of mac and cheese, the crispiness of the bread complements the smooth texture of the pasta.
SAUTÉED GREEN BEANS WITH BACON – These add a splash of color and a savory twist to your meal. The smokiness of the bacon pairs wonderfully with the fresh crunch of green beans, balancing the richness of the cheese sauce.
CUCUMBER SALAD – A light, refreshing salad made with a sweet and tangy dressing that cuts through the richness of the mac and cheese, adding a healthy element to your meal.
BAKED BBQ PORK CHOPS – The bold flavors of barbecued pork chops make a delightful companion to the smoky Gouda in the mac and cheese, creating a robust and satisfying meal.
ROASTED VEGETABLES – A mix of Candied Carrots, Broccoli and Cauliflower offers a sweet and savory side.
Recipe Success Tips
PASTA – I make the sauce while the pasta is cooking so that the pasta is piping hot when it is added to the sauce. You don’t want to add cold or room-temperature pasta to the sauce, as it will cause the sauce to thicken up too quickly.
SERVE HOT – As the sauce cools, it will thicken, and the mac and cheese will not be as creamy – so make sure to serve it hot!
CHEESE – Always use freshly shredded cheese when making a cheesy sauce. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in an anti-caking agent that prevents it from melting properly.
CHEESE HACK – Yes, freshly shredded cheese is best. But we have all been there, and we forgot, and all that’s in the fridge is a bag of cheese. Don’t worry. If you have pre-shredded cheese, you can still make it work. Measure out the cheese, add a little extra, and place it into a sieve. Give it a quick rinse under some cold water. Pat dry, and the cheese will melt better.
More Easy and Delicious Pasta Recipes
Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups Half & Half divided
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- 2 cups smoked gouda cheese freshly grated
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
- black pepper optional, freshly ground to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Add 1 cup of Half & Half and the salt to a large saucepan over medium heat and simmer until it just starts bubbling. Do not let it boil.
- Whisk the remaining Half & Half and the cornstarch in a small bowl until no lumps remain.
- Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until the sauce thickens enough to coat a spoon.
- Turn the heat down to low. Add the freshly shredded cheese. Stir for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.