Name: Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 3/4 cups whole milk; 4 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1/2 tsp mustard powder; 2 cups smoked gouda cheese, freshly grated; 2 cups smoked cheddar cheese, freshly grated; 2 1/2 cups uncooked short pasta noodles (elbow macaroni, cavatappi, penne, rotini, etc.); Chopped parsley, for topping (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re a cheese lover hunting for a seriously drool-worthy dinner, my Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese will satisfy your cravings every single time. This recipe is the comforting classic you grew up with, but all dressed up with the irresistible smokiness of Gouda and the sharp tang of Cheddar. Creamy, luscious, and loaded with cheesy goodness, it’s the ultimate side dish (or main, let’s be honest) that friends and family will ask for again and again. One taste, and you’ll be hooked!

Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These staple ingredients come together to create the magic of Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Every component has a job here: some add depth of flavor, others create that dreamy texture, and a few serve up mouthwatering color and aroma.

Whole milk: Full-fat milk gives the sauce a rich, creamy base you just can’t fake with skim or low-fat.
Unsalted butter: The secret to a silky roux; unsalted so you control the saltiness.
All-purpose flour: Whisked into butter, it thickens the sauce without weighing it down.
Salt: Essential for brightening all the flavors (and balancing those cheeses!)
Pepper: Adds just enough bite to balance all the creamy cheese.
Mustard powder: The not-so-secret ingredient for subtle depth and a hint of tang.
Smoked gouda cheese (freshly grated): Melty, smoky richness that will completely transform your mac and cheese.
Smoked cheddar cheese (freshly grated): Sharp, punchy, and melts right into that glorious sauce.
Uncooked short pasta noodles: Elbows, penne, cavatappi, or rotini—choose your favorite shape for maximum sauce-catcher action.
Chopped parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top, it adds a fresh, colorful finish and makes your dish pop.

How to Make Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Warm the Milk

Start by gently warming your whole milk. You can do this in a large microwavable bowl or a small saucepan—just heat until it’s steamy but not boiling. This quick step helps the roux blend seamlessly into the sauce and prevents lumps, leading to that perfectly creamy Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Set the milk aside and keep it warm while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and toss in your favorite short noodles. Stir now and then to prevent sticking, and cook until al dente. You want the pasta to have a little bite—it’ll soak up sauce without getting mushy. Drain it, then return the noodles to the pot, ready and waiting for cheese sauce glory.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt your butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about four minutes, until it’s golden and smooth—this roux will thicken your sauce and keep it glossy. Pour in the warm milk, whisking all the time, and cook until the mixture is thick and bubbling. Add the salt, pepper, mustard powder, and both smoked gouda and cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring as everything melts into a smooth, luscious cheese sauce. The kitchen will smell outrageously good at this point!

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Now comes the best part! Pour every drop of that melty cheese sauce over your cooked pasta—use a spatula to get every last bit. Stir until every noodle is coated, glossy, and absolutely irresistible. This is the moment Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese dreams come true.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon your mac and cheese into bowls or right onto plates. Top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you want to add a pop of green, and serve immediately. Dig in and watch smiles appear all around the table!

How to Serve Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finish for Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Not only does it add color and freshness, but it also offers a subtle herbal note that brightens up the richness. For something extra, consider toasted breadcrumbs or a dash of hot sauce for kick!

Side Dishes

This cheesy dish pairs beautifully with crisp salads tossed in vinaigrette, tangy coleslaw, or even roasted veggies. If you’re serving Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese as part of a feast, try it alongside BBQ chicken, pulled pork, or meatloaf for the ultimate comfort meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For party snacks or game-day spreads, scoop mac and cheese into muffin tins for bite-sized delights. Want to make it fancy? Serve in individual ramekins baked with a little more cheese or breadcrumbs on top. Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese also makes a stunning base for a build-your-own toppings bar—think crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted broccoli!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), store your Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days and is just as satisfying the next day.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions or the entire batch. Let the mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll freeze well for up to two months. To thaw, simply move it to the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To revive your Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese, heat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring often. Add a splash of milk to help loosen up the sauce and bring back the creamy texture. Be patient—warming it slowly is key!

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

It’s best to grate your cheese fresh for Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often have anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy instead of silky.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose blend, and use your favorite gluten-free short pasta. You’ll still get amazing flavor and creaminess.

What if I can’t find smoked gouda or smoked cheddar?

If you can’t locate the smoked versions, regular gouda or cheddar will work, though the signature smoky kick won’t be as strong. For a little extra smokiness, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the cheese sauce.

Can I bake this mac and cheese to make it crispy on top?

Definitely! Pour the finished pasta and sauce into a baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese (and maybe breadcrumbs), and bake at 375°F until golden and bubbling, about 20 minutes.

Is it okay to double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese scales up beautifully. Just make sure to use a large enough pot and stir the cheese sauce often for even melting.

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings people together like a bubbling, cheesy dish straight from the stovetop or oven. Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese is certain to become a family favorite—you’ll love how simple, delicious, and downright comforting it is. Give it a try and prepare to win rave reviews!

Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 13 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy richness of this Smoked Gouda & Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a comforting side dish, it’s a classic favorite with a smoky twist.

Instructions

Heat the Milk: In a large microwavable bowl or small saucepan, heat milk until just warm. Do not boil. Set aside and keep warm.
Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and add uncooked pasta noodles. Cook until al dente, then drain and return to the pot.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a medium saucepan, add flour, and whisk until golden and smooth. Add warm milk, whisk until thick, then add salt, pepper, mustard, and cheeses. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine Sauce and Pasta: Push the cheese sauce into the pot with pasta, stir until coated.
Serve: Serve immediately, topped with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

This dish can be customized with added ingredients like crispy bacon, diced tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms.
For extra flavor, try mixing in a little Dijon mustard or Worcestershire sauce to the cheese sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American