Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese

 This gouda mac and cheese is one of those perfect sidedish recipes that’s made on the stovetop. It’s easy, creamy and so incredibly cheesy!

What is Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese

Get ready to embark on a flavor adventure like no other with this Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese!

Picture velvety waves of Gouda cheese sauce cascading over perfectly al dente pasta, creating a masterpiece of creamy, savory goodness that will have your taste buds singing in delight.

Each bite is a harmonious blend of rich, nutty Gouda cheese, subtly tangy notes, and a hint of smokiness, all swirled together in a luscious cheese sauce that clings to the pasta like a comforting embrace.

This mac and cheese isn't just a dish; it's an experience, a celebration of the pure joy that only gooey, cheesy perfection can bring.

So, grab a fork and prepare to dive into a world of cheesy bliss that will leave you craving seconds and thirds.

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Salted Butter - Regular, unsalted butter also works however I recommend adding an additional pinch of salt to make up for it.
• Garlic Cloves - Fresh garlic is best as I believe that the jarred, pre-minced variety has a weird flavor to it.
• Flour - You can use all purpose or self rising flour - whatever you want. If you don't have flour, you could also create a cornstarch slurry that you pour in right before adding the cheese.
• Whole Milk - You could also use half and half but I wouldn't recommend using whole milk if possible. You could also use heavy cream but it might be too rich unless you do it half milk, half heavy cream.
• Gouda Cheese - I'm using a blend of regular gouda cheese and smoked gouda cheese. But to be quite honest, this recipe also works with cheddar, gruere, asiago, fontina and any other easily meltable cheese.
• Dijon Mustard - You could also use yellow mustard but trust me on this one - you won't taste the mustard - it just makes the cheese taste more cheesy.

How to make it

Making my easy stovetop gouda mac and cheese is a breeze!

Begin by melting salty butter in a heavy bottomed sauce pan over medium heat.

Next, add minced garlic and pinch of salt and cook for 2 minutes or until softened and fragrant - try not to let the garlic brown.

Now whisk in the flour and let the roux develop for a minute or two before it starts to darken.

At this point, it's time to whisk in room temp milk and a few pinches of salt then turn the heat to medium-low.

Let the sauce simmer for 5-10 minutes so that it is thickened and slightly reduced, stirring often.

Now whisk in 1 cup of cheese at a time, little by little, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Add the dijon mustard and stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Mix in the al dente pasta and season with more salt and pepper if needed.

Can I bake this mac and cheese

You can absolutely bake this mac and cheese but I recommend doing so only for the top crust otherwise it will dry out.

FOR A CHEESY CRUST: Add 1.5 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda or mozza) on top and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheesy on top is melted, blistering and bubbly!

FOR A CRUNCHY CRUST: Melt 2 tablespoon of butter and mix it with 2 cups of seasoned bread crumbs. Sprinkle it on top of the mac and cheese and bake until golden brown! 

What goes with Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese

So many delicious things go with gouda mac and cheese!

I recommend trying my southern black eyed pea dip, this kale butternut squash salad or this kale apple slaw.

For a main, you could serve them with this chick-fil-a honey pepper pimento cheese sandwich, sweet and sauerkraut pork, or these pesto chicken meatballs.

For dessert, try my 4 ingredient peanut butter blossom cookies, these strawberry shortcake oreo truffles, or this easy cool whip key lime pie.

Frequently asked questions

Is gouda a good melting cheese for mac and cheese?

YES! Gouda melts like a dream and brings a creamy, slightly nutty richness to your mac and cheese, making it the secret weapon for a lusciously gooey and irresistibly indulgent twist on this classic comfort dish. My trick is to do a mix of regular gouda and smoked gouda.

How do you keep mac and cheese creamy?

To keep your mac and cheese luxuriously creamy, make sure to use a combination of high-quality cheeses that you shred yourself. If it's a little dry, you can either add some reserved pasta water or another splash of heavy cream. I prefer stovetop mac and cheeses like this because they aren't as dry as oven-baked.

What is the best milk for mac and cheese?

If you don't care about calories, heavy cream creates the most luscious mac and cheese but not a lot of people want it that rich. Second place goes to whole milk, which transforms each bite into a rich, indulgent symphony of cheesy delight.

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