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.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 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
For the Pasta:
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked short pasta noodles (elbow macaroni, cavatappi, penne, rotini, etc.)
- Chopped parsley, for topping (optional)
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Cheddar, Comfort Food
