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Joe Rooney

Creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese: Delicious Easy Recipe

Enjoy this creamy gouda mac and cheese that's wonderfully easy to make on the stovetop. This recipe delivers a luscious, cheesy sauce combining both regular and smoked gouda, making it a perfect comfort food side or main dish. Whether you're searching for Stovetop Gouda Mac or Easy Creamy Mac and Cheese, this Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe will satisfy all your creamy pasta cravings.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoon Salted Butter
  • 5 cloves Garlic finely minced
  • 3 tablespoon Flour
  • 3 cups Whole Milk room temp
  • 2 cups Gouda Cheese shredded by hand
  • 1 cup Smoked Gouda Cheese shredded by hand
  • ½ teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • Kosher Salt
  • Pepper
  • 1 lb pasta of your choice (I used fusilli corti bucati pasta from trader joes)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just tender, following the package instructions.
  2. While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and a pinch of salt, cooking gently for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened without browning.
  3. Stir in the flour and allow the mixture to cook for 1-2 minutes, helping to get rid of the raw flour flavor.
  4. Gradually whisk in the room temperature milk and add a few pinches of salt, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  5. Let the milk mixture simmer gently for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and slightly reduces.
  6. Slowly add the shredded gouda cheeses one cup at a time, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Stir in the Dijon mustard and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
  8. Drain the pasta and fold it into the cheese sauce, giving it a good mix. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

  • FOR A CHEESY CRUST: Sprinkle 1.5 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda or mozzarella) on top and bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly on top! FOR A CRUNCHY CRUST: Combine 2 tablespoons melted butter with 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs, sprinkle over the mac and cheese, then bake until golden brown and crisp.