Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe
Nothing says comfort food quite like a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent bowl of mac and cheese. But what if we take it up a notch? Enter Baked Gouda Mac and Cheese—a rich, smoky twist on the classic that’s baked to perfection with a crispy, golden topping.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk or heavy cream for extra richness
- 2 cups Gouda cheese shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce heat to low, then stir in Gouda, cheddar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
Step 3: Combine & Transfer
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix well until fully coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 5: Bake & Serve
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes, then serve hot and enjoy!