Smoked Gouda Cheese Mac and Cheese: easy and delicious recipe

A rich, creamy macaroni and cheese elevated with the distinctive flavor of smoked Gouda cheese. This crowd-pleasing dish brings sophistication to a beloved comfort food classic.

Why Smoked Gouda Cheese Creates the Ultimate Mac and Cheese

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot, bubbling dish of macaroni and cheese. But when you’re looking to elevate this classic comfort food to something worthy of your dinner party or special family meal, this Smoked Gouda Cheese Mac and Cheese delivers in spades. The nutty, smoky flavor of the Gouda cheese transforms an everyday dish into something truly memorable.

This recipe has become a staple in my household for good reason. The combination of smoked Gouda cheese with sharp cheddar creates a complexity of flavor that standard mac and cheese recipes simply can’t match. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to each pasta shell, ensuring every bite delivers that perfect cheese-to-pasta ratio. And the crispy breadcrumb topping? That golden crust provides the ideal textural contrast to the creamy pasta beneath.

What makes this recipe particularly special is how it manages to feel both sophisticated and comforting at the same time. It’s impressive enough to serve at a dinner party yet familiar enough to appeal to even the pickiest eaters in your family. Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8

Ingredients Table

Main Ingredients	Amount	Topping Ingredients	Amount
Shell pasta	1 pound (16 ounces)	Panko breadcrumbs	1 cup
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons	Melted butter	2 tablespoons
All-purpose flour	1/4 cup	Parmesan cheese, finely grated	1/4 cup
Whole milk, warmed	3 cups	Fresh thyme leaves (or dried)	1 tbsp (or 1 tsp dried)
Dried mustard powder	1/2 teaspoon	Smoked paprika	1/4 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper (optional)	1/4 teaspoon
Freshly grated nutmeg	1/4 teaspoon
Kosher salt	1 teaspoon
Freshly ground black pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Smoked Gouda cheese, rind removed and shredded	8 ounces (2 cups)
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded	4 ounces (1 cup)
Parmesan cheese, finely grated	2 ounces (1/2 cup)

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the shell pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so you want it slightly underdone at this stage. Drain well, but do not rinse – the starchy surface helps the cheese sauce adhere better.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare your cheese sauce. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux should be blonde in color, not brown.

Gradually pour in the warmed milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon – about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Season and Add Smoked Gouda Cheese

Once your sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Add the mustard powder, cayenne pepper (if using), nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Remove the pan from the heat and add the shredded smoked Gouda cheese and cheddar in three batches, stirring until each addition is completely melted before adding the next. Finally, stir in half of the Parmesan cheese. The sauce should be velvety smooth and richly flavored with the distinctive smoky notes of the Gouda.

Step 4: Combine and Prepare for Baking

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, folding gently until each shell is thoroughly coated with the smoked Gouda cheese mixture. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5: Create the Crispy Topping

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, remaining Parmesan cheese, thyme leaves, and smoked paprika. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly moistened. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese, creating a light layer across the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. For an extra-crispy top, you can place the dish under the broiler for the final 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the mac and cheese to rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This brief resting period helps the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve and ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta.

Expert Tips for Working with Smoked Gouda Cheese

Tip Category	Expert Advice
Cheese Selection	Choose a smoked Gouda with a rich amber color and distinctive smoky aroma. Intensity varies between brands.
Preparation	Shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded to avoid anti-caking agents that make sauce grainy.
Milk Temperature	Always warm milk before adding to hot roux to prevent lumps and create silky-smooth sauce.
Pasta Cooking	Keep pasta slightly firm when draining as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Cheese Blending	The combination of smoked Gouda with sharp cheddar creates ideal depth of flavor.

Perfect Pairings

This rich dish works beautifully as both a main dish or a sophisticated side. If serving as a main, pair it with:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli
• Honey-glazed carrots

As a side dish, it complements:

• Grilled or roasted meats, especially those with smoky flavors
• Barbecued ribs or brisket
• Herb-roasted chicken

A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Zinfandel makes an excellent beverage pairing, as does a hoppy craft beer to balance the creaminess of the dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 485
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 67mg
• Sodium: 612mg
• Fiber: 2g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Why Smoked Gouda Cheese Makes This Recipe Special

The secret to this recipe’s success lies in the distinctive character of smoked Gouda cheese. Unlike regular Gouda, the smoked variety undergoes a cold smoking process that infuses it with complex, woodsy flavors that complement the creamy, nutty base of the cheese. When melted into the sauce, it creates a depth that transforms ordinary mac and cheese into something truly exceptional.

The key is finding the right balance—you want enough smoked Gouda cheese to impart its signature flavor without overwhelming the dish. That’s why this recipe combines it with sharp cheddar, which provides a tangy contrast, and a touch of Parmesan for salty depth. This thoughtful cheese combination ensures every bite offers a sophisticated flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Recipe adapted by rhondamary. This delicious twist on a classic has been made and loved by 162 home cooks!

Enjoy this gourmet version of mac and cheese that brings together the comforting familiarity of a classic dish with the sophisticated flavor profile of smoked Gouda cheese. It’s proof that sometimes the most beloved recipes can be reimagined into something even more special.