Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones we love most. Try this new twist on an old favorite with Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese.
I love that it is a simple dish, but yet so much better than the boxed version. Plus you can add so much more to homemade recipes. I have to keep it simple because the kids get freaked out when there are things in any food dish I make.
Things like, onions, tomatoes, olives, peppers, so I leave them out or make two as I did with my Quiche this week. They don’t like spinach, so I made another with bacon replacing the spinach and they ate it up.
This is the first time I used Gouda but I noticed a lot of restaurants I have been to make Mac and Cheese with Gouda, so I thought I would try it. I mixed the sharp cheddar with it and it was a completely different taste, but so good.
Now if I had my way, I would have added black olives and onions. I like a little more texture and crunch in my foods and I think that would have just added the right amount. I did add a bread crumb on top which changed it up a bit.
This was a really big batch and I was able to use all the leftover macaroni I had from the minestrone soup I made last week, so I was glad to get a lot of use out of that one box. Plus there were leftovers for lunch the next day.
This meal is made partly on the stove and finishes up in the oven. I made it at lunchtime while the kids were in school and just heated it up for dinner with some salad. I am finding that easier than waiting until 4:00 pm to start dinner when the kids are home and need more of my attention. You can also try my skillet beefy mac and cheese recipe. It is another family favorite.
Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni cooked and drained
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 2 1/4 cups skim milk
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 2 Teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 Teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 Teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 Teaspoons worcestershire
- 1 lb smoked gouda cheese shredded
- 1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 slices bread
- 3 Tablespoons butter melted
- Onions (optional)
- Sliced Black olives (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare macaroni according to package directions. Set aside.
- In large pot, melt butter over medium high heat. Add skim milk and bring to near boiling. Reduce heat to medium and sprinkle in flour. Whisk vigorously over medium heat for 1-2 minutes. Mixture should be thick and boiling. Slowly add cream, while whisking. Add in salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Reduce heat to low and continue to stir for about 5 minutes.
- In food processor, shred Gouda and Cheddar cheese. Add to pot, stir until thoroughly combined.
- Add cooked macaroni to cheese mixture. Pour into a 13×9 dish.
- In same food processor bowl process 4 slices of bread to a fine crumb. Add melted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni.
- Bake uncovered in a 375 degree oven for 25-30 minutes.
Notes
Nutrition
Steph says
Oh I love me some Gouda! This looks so yummy!
Jennifer at Making Our Life Matter says
I never used Gouda cheese in a recipe before. Definitely need to try this sometime!
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
I love the bread crumbs on the top of the mac and cheese, but I can’t get my kids to eat that. Hmph! I should do 2 versions so I can eat what I like.
Sharon Rowe says
Thanks for sharing on How To Get Organized At Home, great recipe one that I must try.
Sarah Halstead says
That sounds amazing! I love macaroni and cheese. Yumm!
Mischa {Accidental Farm Wife} says
This looks so creamy and delicious! I love Gouda…would definitely add the onions and maybe even some chicken!
Jackie says
Oohh, I like the addition of olives and the smoked gouda! I can’t wait to try this!
Mandee Pogue says
Smoked Gouda is my FAV cheese and this recipe sounds AMAZING! Thanks so much for sharing!