Gouda Mac and Cheese with Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry Twist

Why You’ll Love This gouda mac and cheese

• Ease of preparation: This gouda mac and cheese recipe is incredibly simple and quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. The ingredients are easy to find, and the cooking steps are straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time to create a creamy, comforting dish.
• Health benefits: Gouda cheese contributes essential nutrients like calcium and protein, which support bone health and muscle maintenance. When paired with whole-grain pasta or added vegetables, this mac and cheese dish balances indulgence with nourishment.
• Versatility: This gouda mac and cheese adapts easily to various dietary preferences. It can be made vegan using plant-based gouda alternatives, gluten-free by substituting rice or corn pasta, and lightened up with low-calorie ingredient swaps without losing its signature creamy texture.
• Distinctive flavor: The creamy, smoky profile of gouda cheese distinguishes this mac and cheese from traditional versions. Its rich yet smooth taste adds a unique twist that makes this classic comfort food stand out and delight every bite.

Essential Ingredients for gouda mac and cheese

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni (about 340g) – perfect shape to hold the cheese sauce
• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter – adds richness and forms the roux for the sauce
• ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) all-purpose flour – thickens the cheese sauce
• 2½ cups whole milk (600ml) – creates a smooth, creamy base for the sauce
• 8 ounces (about 225g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese – adds sharpness and depth of flavor
• 4 ounces (about 115g) shredded gouda cheese – provides the signature smoky creaminess
• ¼ teaspoon table salt – enhances overall flavor
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – adds mild seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional) – offers a unique spice twist
• Paprika for topping – adds color and a hint of smoky flavor
• Optional: 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup sour cream, ½ teaspoon garlic powder – for richness and flavor depth

Special Dietary Options:

• Vegan: Substitute gouda and cheddar with plant-based cheeses and use unsweetened almond or soy milk.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to maintain texture and accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-calorie: Substitute whole milk with skim or unsweetened plant milk and use reduced-fat cheeses to lower fat content.

How to Prepare the Perfect gouda mac and cheese: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of dry elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water (optional) and drain the remainder. Set the cooked macaroni aside.

Second Step: Make the roux

In a large skillet or pot, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the roux turns lightly golden but not burnt. This step prevents a raw flour taste and thickens the sauce perfectly.

Third Step: Prepare the cheese sauce

Gradually whisk in 2½ cups whole milk (and 1 cup heavy cream if using), stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it.

Fourth Step: Add seasonings and cheese

Season the sauce with ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning if desired. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 ounces shredded gouda cheese, and ½ cup sour cream (if using) until smooth and fully melted. Avoid overheating to prevent cheese separation.

Fifth Step: Combine pasta and sauce

Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece evenly with the rich, creamy sauce.

Final Step: Serve and garnish

Serve your gouda mac and cheese immediately, topped with a sprinkle of paprika and extra black pepper for color and a subtle smoky flair. For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with additional cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil until golden and bubbly.

Tip: Avoid adding cheese while the sauce is boiling. Remove from heat before stirring cheese in to prevent clumping or separation.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your gouda mac and cheese

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

• Use smoked vegan gouda or blended plant-based cheeses as a substitute for traditional gouda in vegan versions.
• Swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from chickpeas, brown rice, or quinoa to accommodate gluten-free needs.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

• Add steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
• Enhance flavor with smoked paprika, garlic powder, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Replace dairy milk with unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk for lactose intolerance or plant-based diets.

Mastering gouda mac and cheese: Advanced Tips and Variations

• Pro cooking techniques: Use a double boiler for melting gouda cheese gently, avoiding curdling. Prepare a béchamel sauce infused with herbs for deeper flavor.
• Flavor variations: Incorporate caramelized onions, crispy bacon, or a drizzle of truffle oil for sophistication. Season with nutmeg or mustard powder to add complexity.
• Presentation tips: Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
• Make-ahead options: Assemble the macaroni and cheese up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh before serving to preserve creaminess.

How to Store gouda mac and cheese: Best Practices

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About gouda mac and cheese

gouda mac and cheese

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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

🧀 Delight in rich, creamy Gouda Mac and Cheese that offers a luxurious twist on a classic comfort food.
🍲 The blend of sharp cheddar and smooth Gouda creates a flavorful, satisfying dish perfect for family dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 ounces dry elbow macaroni

1/4 cup unsalted butter for richness and forming the roux

1/4 cup all-purpose flour for thickening the cheese sauce

2 1/2 cups whole milk for a smooth, creamy base

8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese for sharpness and depth of flavor

4 ounces shredded gouda cheese for signature smoky creaminess

1/4 teaspoon table salt for enhancing overall flavor

1/4 teaspoon black pepper for mild seasoning

1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional) for a unique spice twist

Paprika for topping

1 cup heavy cream for richness

1/2 cup sour cream for richness

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for flavor depth

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Instructions

1-First Step: Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of dry elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water (optional) and drain the remainder. Set the cooked macaroni aside.

2-Second Step: Make the roux. In a large skillet or pot, melt ¼ cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until the roux turns lightly golden but not burnt. This step prevents a raw flour taste and thickens the sauce perfectly.

3-Third Step: Prepare the cheese sauce. Gradually whisk in 2½ cups whole milk (and 1 cup heavy cream if using), stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it.

4-Fourth Step: Add seasonings and cheese. Season the sauce with ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning if desired. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 ounces shredded gouda cheese, and ½ cup sour cream (if using) until smooth and fully melted. Avoid overheating to prevent cheese separation.

5-Fifth Step: Combine pasta and sauce. Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece evenly with the rich, creamy sauce.

6-Final Step: Serve and garnish. Serve your gouda mac and cheese immediately, topped with a sprinkle of paprika and extra black pepper for color and a subtle smoky flair. For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with additional cheese and breadcrumbs, and broil until golden and bubbly.

Notes

🥛 Use whole milk or half and half for a creamy sauce; lighter milks will reduce creaminess.
🧀 Add cheese off heat to prevent clumping and ensure smooth melting.
💧 Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it gets too thick.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop (or baked)
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 579 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 535-1140 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg

Keywords: gouda mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheesy comfort food, stovetop mac and cheese