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Indulgent Gouda Mac and Cheese for Comfort Food Lovers Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 113 reviews
  • Author: Gabriel
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Indulgent Gouda Mac and Cheese is a rich and creamy comfort food classic featuring a luscious blend of smoky Gouda and sharp cheddar cheeses. This recipe creates a silky cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, with an optional golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping for added texture. Whether enjoyed straight from the stovetop or baked to bubbly perfection, this dish is a decadent treat for mac and cheese lovers seeking a flavorful, soulful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni

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, amount as needed)

Instructions

  1. Cook the 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 to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.
  2. Make the roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden, forming the base for the cheese sauce.
  3. Add milk and cream: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of warmed whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing thoroughly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Melt the cheese: Reduce heat to low and slowly add 2 cups of shredded Gouda and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until all cheese is melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Season the sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of dry mustard. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste to enhance the flavors.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Gently fold the drained macaroni into the creamy cheese sauce, making sure each piece is fully coated with velvety cheese.
  7. Prepare breadcrumb topping (optional): Heat a little butter in a skillet over medium heat and toss in ½ cup panko breadcrumbs. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crisp.
  8. Bake with topping (optional): For a baked finish, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Transfer mac and cheese mixture into a buttered baking dish, evenly sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs on top, and bake for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

  • You can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer.
  • Use gluten-free flour and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Omitting heavy cream or substituting with low-fat milk will result in a lighter, less creamy sauce.
  • Fresh minced garlic can replace garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, ensure the cheese used is free of animal rennet.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Toast breadcrumbs with butter for extra flavor and crunch, or omit for a softer topping.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Gouda Mac and Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Panko Topping

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