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Easy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese: Best Kid-Approved Recipe

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This creamy, smoky mac and cheese is a family favorite that comes together in 45 minutes. Made with smoked Gouda, sharp cheddar, and cream cheese, it’s kid-approved and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni
  • Salt for the pasta water
  • 8 ounces (225g) smoked Gouda, shredded
  • 4 ounces (115g) sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 3 cups (710ml) whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter (for topping, optional)
  • 1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan (for topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Start a large pot of salted water boiling for the pasta.
  2. Shred the smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar. Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and let it soften.
  3. Cook the elbow macaroni in the boiling water according to package directions until al dente, undercooking by about 1 minute. Drain (do not rinse).
  4. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
  5. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the mixture simmers and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
  6. Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheese a handful at a time, stirring until melted. Add the cream cheese cubes and stir until smooth.
  7. Stir in the garlic powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Pour the drained pasta into a large bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and stir gently until every piece is coated.
  9. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If using topping, mix panko with melted butter and Parmesan, then sprinkle over the top.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. For extra color, broil for the last 2 minutes. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the smoothest sauce, always shred your own cheese and melt it over low heat. Undercook the pasta by 1 minute to avoid mushiness after baking. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked Gouda mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, kid-friendly mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/easy-smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese-best-kid-approved-recipe/