Creamy Baked Gouda Mac & Cheese
This creamy baked Gouda mac and cheese recipe is a beloved family favorite that has been refined over the years. Initially learned in my preteen days, this dish has evolved alongside my culinary journey, especially after discovering the rich, smoky flavor of Gouda cheese. The combination of sharp cheddar, American, and Gouda cheeses creates a deliciously creamy sauce that perfectly coats the macaroni, making it an irresistible main course for both kids and adults alike. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, and garlic toast or crusty sourdough bread for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
6
Servings
367
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Chicken bouillon or salt and pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Elbow macaroni
8 ounces (uncooked)
All-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (for roux)
Mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
Milk
3 cups (any kind)
Sharp cheddar cheese
4 ounces (coarsely grated, about 1 cup)
American cheese
4 ounces (sliced, about 6-8 slices)
Gouda cheese
2 ounces (coarsely grated, about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. As the water heats, spray a shallow 8x8 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
3
Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, but stop 2 minutes short of al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process, then return it to the pot.
4
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the chicken bouillon (or salt and pepper) with the mustard powder. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it forms a thick paste.
5
Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly until smooth. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a low boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.
6
Layer the ingredients in the prepared baking dish. Start with half of the cooked macaroni, followed by half of the sauce, then half of each cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of cheese.
7
This dish can be prepared several hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator covered until you're ready to bake.
8
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling, which should take an additional 15-20 minutes. If the dish has been refrigerated, it may require extra time to heat through.
9
Let the mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
34g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Creamy Baked Gouda Mac & Cheese unique?
This recipe features a unique blend of sharp cheddar, American, and smoky Gouda cheeses to create an extra creamy and flavorful sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the cheese sauce?
The sauce is made from butter, chicken bouillon or salt and pepper, mustard powder, all-purpose flour, and milk.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How do I prepare the macaroni for baking?
Boil the pasta in salted water, stopping 2 minutes short of al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking.
What size baking dish is required?
A shallow 8x8 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I make the roux for the sauce?
Melt butter over medium heat, whisk in seasonings and flour, and cook for about 1 minute until a thick paste forms.
What kind of milk is recommended?
You can use 3 cups of any kind of milk for the sauce.
How long should the sauce simmer?
After bringing the milk and roux mixture to a low boil, let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
How do I layer the mac and cheese in the dish?
Layer half of the macaroni, half of the sauce, and half of the cheeses, then repeat the process once more.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish several hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
How long does the mac and cheese bake in total?
It bakes for 15-20 minutes covered with foil, and another 15-20 minutes uncovered, totaling 30-40 minutes.
How do I know when the mac and cheese is finished baking?
The top should be golden and the sauce should be bubbling.
Why should the dish sit for 5 minutes after baking?
Allowing it to cool for 5 minutes helps the sauce set before serving.
What are the calorie counts for this dish?
There are approximately 367 calories per serving.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving contains about 16g of fat.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 17g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 34g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much Gouda cheese is used?
The recipe requires 2 ounces of coarsely grated Gouda cheese, which is roughly 1/2 cup.
How much sharp cheddar is needed?
You will need 4 ounces of coarsely grated sharp cheddar, approximately 1 cup.
How much American cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of American cheese, which is about 6 to 8 slices.
Can I substitute the chicken bouillon?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper to taste instead of bouillon.
What is the purpose of the mustard powder?
Mustard powder is added to enhance the savory flavor of the cheese sauce.
What should I serve with this mac and cheese?
It pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed broccoli, garlic toast, or crusty sourdough bread.
Does the baking time change if the dish was refrigerated?
Yes, if the dish has been chilled, it may require extra time in the oven to heat through completely.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is considered a kid-friendly main course and a beloved family favorite.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, spray the dish with nonstick cooking spray before assembly.
How much flour is required for the roux?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.