Gooey, cheesy, and satisfying, Gouda mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Learn how to make this classic dish with a twist, perfect for a cosy night in.
I’m obsessed with macaroni cheese. There are tons of different recipes on my site, because I make it all of the time, adding different ingredients and spices.
It’s the perfect comfort food! A creamy cheese sauce with delicious pasta for the perfect texture and flavour. I could just eat it as it is, straight out of the oven.
Mac and cheese has always been my go-to “everyone else is out, I’m eating alone” dinner, and this Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe is perfect for those filthy solo dinners.
Or, for sharing with your family if you are less disgusting than me.
Why I Love Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese
Erm, cheesy pasta?! But also:
- Cheese sauce made with Gouda is soooo creamy!
- It’s proper comfort food.
- This recipe is quick and easy to follow.
- It’s an easy base for adding things like bacon to create a more filling meal.
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Ingredients for Gouda Mac n Cheese
When I make Mac and Cheese with Gouda Cheese, I use:
Butter
Garlic Puree – You can also use fresh cloves of garlic or garlic powder.
Plain Flour (all-purpose flour)
Semi-Skimmed Milk – You can use whole milk, but I don’t think there’s any need. I don’t recommend skim milk.
Cheddar Cheese—I use a good, sharp cheddar cheese. If you want to save some time, you can use pre-shredded cheese.
Gouda Cheese – If you can’t get a block of Gouda, use chopped slices.
English Mustard
Salt and Pepper
Macaroni Pasta – Straight or elbow macaroni is fine.
You’ll Also Need
You don’t need much to make Macaroni and cheese with Gouda.
Just a large saucepan, another pan to cook the pasta, a baking dish that it will fit in, a colander, a wooden spoon and a whisk.
How to Make Easy Gouda Mac and Cheese – Step-by-Step Instructions
Full, easy-to-follow instructions and quantities are available in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step One
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain and set aside. It should have an al dente texture so that it doesn’t overcook in the oven.
I actually cook the pasta while I’m adding the milk to my sauce, but you might find it easier to get it out of the way first.
Step Two
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (fan-assisted).
Step Three
Melt the butter and garlic puree over low heat in a large pan.
Step Four
Add the flour and whisk for a few minutes until it’s a smooth ball, and all of the flour is incorporated into a roux. Looks a bit like play-dough.
Step Five
Add the milk, a bit at a time, whisking until smooth before adding more. I add tiny bits to start with, and then start adding more once there are no lumps of flour.
Step Six
Once all of the milk is added, bring to a simmer.
You can turn the heat up to speed this up.
Step Seven
Simmer for 3 minutes, whisking constantly
Step Eight
Remove from the heat.
Step Nine
Stir in most of the cheeses (leaving some to top) and the mustard.
Step Ten
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step Eleven
Add the cooked macaroni and stir until it’s all coated in cheese sauce mixture.
Step Twelve
Pour into an oven-proof dish and spread evenly.
Step Thirteen
Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese.
Step Fourteen
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
I place my dish on a baking tray to catch any that bubbles over or runs down the side of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
What you serve with your Mac and cheese will depend on whether you serve it as a side or the main dish.
I love Mac and cheese as a main, with a simple side salad, some garlic bread, or just some bread and butter.
As a side, it’s great with a burger or sandwich, or a steak.
Variations
Mac and cheese is a great base. I love adding things or using different cheeses.
Use Smoked Gouda
Smoked Gouda Mac and cheese is yummy! I recommend using a mild cheddar if you do this, so the smoked gouda flavour really shines through.
Use Strong Gouda
I love mild Gouda. So creamy and delicious. However, this recipe works with a stronger aged Gouda cheese too.
Change the Cheddar
I use mature cheddar, but if you want the Gouda flavour to stand out more, mild cheddar or even mozzarella might be better.
Skip the Mustard
English mustard is strong. It makes the cheese sauce look a little green and has a sharp, spicy flavour. If you prefer a milder mustard, try Dijon instead, or skip entirely.
Add Bacon
Fry some bacon bits, or lardons, until crispy and stir in with the pasta. Smoked bacon is especially delicious and perfect with smoked Gouda cheese.
Top with Panko Breadcrumbs
If you like a crispier topping, add some panko breadcrumbs with the cheese on top.
Leftovers
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave, just make sure they are piping hot before serving.
Storage
Store leftovers in an air-tight container for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Yes, Gouda melts well and is very creamy, making it perfect for Mac and cheese.
Cheddar, Gouda and mozzarella are all perfect for Mac and cheese.
Cheeses like feta, which is crumbly and doesn’t melt well, aren’t great for Mac and cheese.
Other Recipes
Other Mac and cheese recipes you might like include:
Gouda Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 40 g Butter
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Puree
- 40 g Plain Flour
- 500 ml Semi-Skimmed Milk
- 150 g Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 150 g Gouda Cheese (grated)
- 1 Tablespoon English Mustard
- Pinch Salt and Pepper
- 200 g Macaroni Pasta
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, drain and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C (fan-assisted).
- Melt the butter and garlic puree over low heat in a large pan.
- Add the flour and whisk for a few minutes until it’s a smooth ball, and all of the flour is incorporated.
- Add the milk, a bit at a time, whisking until smooth before adding more.
- Once all of the milk is added, bring to a simmer.
- Simmer for 3 minutes, whisking constantly.
- Remove from the heat.
- Stir in most of the cheeses (leaving some to top) and the mustard.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the pasta and stir until it’s all coated in cheese sauce.
- Tip into an oven-proof dish.
- Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Video
Any nutritional information is given as a general guide only and may not be accurate. The information is provided using an online calculator and is specific to my ingredients. Please make your own calculations if you want precise information.
