Gouda Mac and Cheese

Make rich and creamy gouda mac and cheese on the stove top in under 30 minutes! Add a little extra cheese and bake it in the oven to create a golden and bubbly dish. It’s the best comfort food for both kids and adults!

Mac and Cheese is one of those dishes that once you have a favorite recipe, you will want to make it again and again! It’s easy to make and is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. Homemade macaroni and cheese is nostalgic, comforting and so delicious.

This homemade gouda mac and cheese recipe cooks on the stove top but you can finish in the oven, if desired. Making stove top mac and cheese is all about the sauce. The velvety cheese sauce is absolutely irresistible. Way better than the boxed stuff!

I like saucy mac and cheese so I prefer mine without baking. But, if you like baked mac and cheese, you can sprinkle more cheese on top and pop it in the oven.

Serve this delicious recipe as a main meal or as the perfect side dish for weeknight dinners, holiday meals and more!

Why Gouda Cheese?

Gouda cheese is smooth, creamy and melty which makes it the perfect cheese for mac and cheese. It’s a semi-hard cheese which has a different flavor depending on the age of the cheese. Younger gouda has a more mild flavor and soft texture. Aged gouda cheese has a more nutty flavor and is sharper.

Gouda is a good melting cheese so you will frequently find it used in mac and cheese recipes. If you use a sharper gouda cheese, use a more mild cheddar cheese to achieve a more mild overall cheese flavor.

Smoked gouda cheese is also really popular. I’ve made this exact recipe with smoked gouda and the results were amazing. Smoked gouda has more of buttery, nutty, smoky and slightly sweet flavor.

Gouda is easy to find at your local grocery store or cheese shop. It tastes great mixed with cheddar cheese. But if you want to substitute the gouda cheese with another type of cheese, gruyere or white cheddar cheese are both good options since they are similarly melty and gooey.

Ingredient Notes

The full recipe with measurements and instructions is provided in the recipe card below.

• Cheese: You will need both gouda cheese and cheddar cheese. I use regular gouda, but if you use an aged or smoked gouda, use a mild cheddar cheese for a more mild cheese flavor. For cheddar cheese, mild or sharp are preferred over extra sharp cheddar cheese. Use freshly shredded cheese because there are additives in store-bought pre-shredded cheese that affect the texture of the cheese.
• Pasta: I use elbow macaroni. You can use a large noodle, if desired, but I think standard elbow macaroni works best for mac and cheese. Use gluten free pasta, if needed.
• Milk: Whole milk is best to create that super creamy texture. But you can substitute with 2% or even fat free milk, if desired.
• Heavy Cream: This mac and cheese is the real deal. That means we use all of the best ingredients, including heavy cream to make the dish creamy.
• Butter: You need butter to make the roux. Use unsalted butter.
• Flour: Another ingredient necessary for the roux. The roux is easy to make and essential for the best texture of mac and cheese.

How to Make Stove Top Gouda Mac and Cheese

1. Make the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions for your desired firmness. I like to cook it 1 minute less than instructions for the perfect al dente texture. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain and return to the macaroni noodles to the pot.
2. Make the roux: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and constantly whisk for 2 to 3 minutes, until well combined and thickened.

3. Make the gouda cheese sauce: Add the heavy cream and milk to the flour mixture, mixing continuously, until smooth. Reduce the heat to low and add the grated cheese, salt, pepper and any hot sauce (if using.) Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and thick, about 4 to 5 minutes.
4. Combine the pasta and creamy cheese sauce: Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and stir to coat.

Can I bake this mac and cheese?

Yes! If you prefer baked mac and cheese, you can bake this recipe in the oven. Add the mac and cheese to a 2 quart baking dish. Sprinkle an extra half cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. You can also added toasted breadcrumbs for additional texture and flavor.

Bake at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Storage Instructions and Make Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of milk and heat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, until warmed through. Or reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk.

For Make Ahead: Fresh is always best, especially since this recipe comes together relatively quickly and easily. However, if you want to make it ahead of time, you can prepare the entire dish in advance, cover and store in the fridge until you’re ready to eat. Reheat on the stove or bake in the oven.

Making the mac and cheese ahead of time is a great option if you are baking the dish. You can layer the mac and cheese in the dish, sprinkle the extra cheese on top, cover with foil and store in the fridge and bake the next day. Follow the baking instructions above, adding 10 minutes or so until warmed through with the top golden and bubbly.

Expert Tips & Variations

• Always shred your own cheese: Pre-grated cheese that is packaged has preservatives and additives to prevent caking. These additives prevent the cheese from melting easily. Use a food processor or cheese grater to shred your own cheese at home.
• Whisk constantly: When you are making the roux, whisk constantly. You need to make sure the flour is incorporated into the butter. Whisk, whisk, whisk!
• Watch the heat: You always want to heat dairy, including cheese, on low and no higher than medium-low heat. If you cook on a higher temperature, you will get grainy sauce and nobody likes that!
• Slightly undercook the macaroni: Or cook it to your desired firmness. I cook the pasta 1 minute less than the package instructions as you want al dente pasta.
• Make it gluten free: Substitute the flour with 1:1 gluten free flour and substitute the pasta with gluten free pasta. Be extra careful not to overcook the gluten free pasta.
• Additions: Add things like cooked bacon, cooked sausage, cooked bell peppers, chopped broccoli, carrots, peas, spinach, jalapeños or hot sauce. You can also add other seasonings like onion powder and garlic powder. Make it your own with just a few additions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve gouda mac and cheese as a meal or with sides like sautéed carrots, honey roasted vegetables, creamed kale and more. It’s the perfect addition to a holiday dinner, so bring this mac and cheese to the table to share with friends and family. I promise you will not be disappointed!

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