Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe
A creamy and indulgent Gouda Mac and Cheese that combines tender pasta with a rich, buttery cheese sauce made from smooth Gouda cheese. Perfect as a comforting main dish or side, this recipe is simple to prepare and highlights the smoky, nutty flavor of Gouda.
- Author: Daniel
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded Gouda cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden and bubbly, forming a roux.
- Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded Gouda cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently stir until every piece is coated evenly with the creamy Gouda sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Gouda Mac and Cheese warm, garnished with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Use smoked Gouda for a more pronounced smoky flavor.
- To add texture and flavor, consider topping with breadcrumbs and broiling briefly for a crispy crust.
- This dish can be customized by stirring in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed vegetables.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta to avoid a mushy texture.
Keywords: Gouda Mac and Cheese, macaroni and cheese, creamy cheese sauce, comfort food, stovetop mac and cheese