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Indulgent Gouda Mac and Cheese for Comfort Food Lovers Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Indulgent Gouda Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, smoky Gouda with sharp cheddar in a rich cheese sauce enveloping tender elbow macaroni. Finished with a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping, it provides a delightful contrast of textures. Perfect as a hearty main dish or a side, this recipe offers a luscious twist on the classic mac and cheese that will satisfy any cheese lover’s cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 cups Whole Milk, warmed
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 cups Shredded Gouda Cheese
  • 1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dry Mustard
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black Pepper, to taste

Topping

  • ½ cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • Butter, for toasting breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8-9 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Make Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden, forming a roux.
  3. Add Dairy: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of warmed whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Melt Cheese: Reduce heat to low and slowly add 2 cups shredded Gouda and 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt fully and the sauce is silky smooth.
  5. Season Sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon dry mustard. Season with salt and black pepper to taste to enhance the flavor.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, coating all the pasta evenly.
  7. Toast Breadcrumbs (Optional): Heat ½ cup panko breadcrumbs in a skillet with a little melted butter over medium heat. Toss for 3-4 minutes until golden and crisp.
  8. Bake (Optional): For a baked version, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle toasted panko evenly on top, and bake for 10 minutes until the topping is crisp and golden.

Notes

  • Elbow macaroni can be substituted with any pasta shape you prefer.
  • Use gluten-free flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Low-fat milk can replace whole milk, but the sauce might be less creamy.
  • Omit heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but adjust the milk quantity accordingly.
  • Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder for more pungent garlic flavor.
  • The dry mustard adds complexity but can be omitted if unavailable.
  • Adjust salt carefully depending on the saltiness of the cheese.
  • Toasting panko breadcrumbs in butter adds extra flavor and crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Gouda mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food recipe, cheesy pasta, homemade mac and cheese

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/indulgent-gouda-mac-and-cheese-for-comfort-food-lovers-recipe/