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Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese (Creamy, Smoky, & Ready in 30 Minutes!)
If you’ve been searching for the ultimate creamy comfort food with a gourmet twist, this Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese is about to become your new favorite obsession. It’s irresistibly rich, smoky, silky, and ready in just 30 minutes—making it the ideal weeknight dinner, weekend indulgence, or holiday side dish. Unlike many mac and cheese recipes that require baking, layering, and waiting endlessly, this one is fast, stovetop-friendly, and delivers restaurant-level flavor without any complicated steps.
The secret? A luxurious blend of smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, and a perfectly seasoned béchamel sauce that coats every noodle with creamy richness. Smoked gouda adds a depth of flavor that tastes like it came straight from a wood-fired kitchen. When combined with the tangy bite of cheddar, the result is a mac and cheese that’s both familiar and elevated—comforting yet special, simple yet unforgettable.
Whether you’re hosting friends, cooking for family, or just treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe guarantees warm, melty perfection in every bite.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Ultra creamy with a luxurious smooth texture
- Perfect smoky flavor without being overpowering
- Family-friendly with a gourmet twist
- Simple ingredients you probably already have
- Are-you-kidding-me good even as leftovers
This dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. And once you taste how the smoked gouda melts into the sauce—rich, smooth, and slightly sweet—you’ll understand why this version stands out from all the rest.
🧀 What Makes Smoked Gouda So Special?
Smoked gouda is a Dutch cheese known for its creamy texture, gentle sweetness, and deep wood-smoke aroma that comes from being aged in smoke rooms. When melted into a sauce, it creates a velvety smooth consistency that’s noticeably richer than standard mac and cheese.
Why it works so well in this recipe:
- It melts beautifully and evenly
- Adds subtle smokiness
- Enhances the depth of the cheddar
- Makes the dish taste special enough for holidays but easy enough for everyday
🍲 Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese
- -1 lb elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- -3 tbsp unsalted butter
- -3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- -3 cups whole milk
- -1 cup heavy cream
- -2 cups shredded smoked gouda
- -1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
- -1 tsp Dijon mustard
- -½ tsp garlic powder
- -½ tsp onion powder
- -½ tsp smoked paprika
- -Salt and pepper to taste
- -Fresh parsley (for garnish)
🔪 Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water if needed to thin the sauce later.
2. Make the Roux
Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbly.
3. Add the Milk and Cream
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add Seasonings
Whisk in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Melt the Cheeses
Reduce heat to low. Add the smoked gouda and cheddar, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
6. Add the Pasta
Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
7. Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley. Serve immediately while creamy and hot.
⭐ Chef Tips
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For the best creamy texture, grate your cheese fresh.
Don’t Overheat the Sauce
High heat can cause cheese to separate or become grainy. Melt it gently on low.
Add Crunch (Optional)
If you want a baked version, top the mac with buttered breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Customize the Smokiness
For more smoky flavor, add:
- A pinch more smoked paprika
- A splash of liquid smoke
- Smoked salt
Just go slow—smoke builds quickly!
🍽 Variations
1. Bacon Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese
Crispy bacon pieces folded in = smoky heaven.
2. Buffalo Gouda Mac
Add 2–3 tbsp buffalo sauce for spicy tang.
3. BBQ Chicken Mac
Mix in shredded BBQ chicken for a full meal.
4. Veggie-Loaded Mac
Add roasted broccoli, corn, or caramelized onions.
🍷 What to Serve With It
This mac and cheese pairs perfectly with:
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad with vinaigrette
- Garlic bread
- Crispy fried chicken
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Store
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days.
Reheat
Warm on stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese (Creamy, Smoky, & Ready in 30 Minutes!)
A rich, creamy, smoky mac and cheese made with smoked gouda and cheddar, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In another bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider, until a soft batter forms.
- Drop batter onto baking sheets using a scoop, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly.
- Bake 12–15 minutes until set and lightly golden. Cool completely on wire racks.
- Beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla. Add cream to reach desired filling consistency.
- Sandwich cookies with filling, serve immediately or store in airtight container.
Notes
[extra notes]
