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Kid-Approved Smoked Gouda Baked Mac and Cheese

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This Smoked Gouda Baked Mac and Cheese is a budget-friendly, kid-approved comfort food that turns a regular weeknight into a celebration. With a creamy smoked Gouda and sharp cheddar sauce, a crispy panko topping, and simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy families and picky eaters alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, shells, rotini)
  • Salt (for pasta water)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (710ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (226g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups (226g) smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (28g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, undercooking by about 1 minute. Drain (do not rinse) and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth and golden (roux).
  4. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded cheddar and smoked Gouda, stirring until each addition is fully melted. Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and fold gently until every piece is coated.
  7. Pour mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and smoked paprika (if using). Sprinkle evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. For extra crunch, broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely.
  10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce. Undercook pasta by 1 minute to avoid mushiness. Let the dish rest after baking for the best texture. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free pasta and panko. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat well with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked gouda mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, kid-friendly mac and cheese, comfort food, easy mac and cheese, smoked gouda recipe

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/kid-approved-smoked-gouda-baked-mac-and-cheese/