Kick your mac and cheese game up a notch with this anything-but-traditional smoked gouda mac and cheese version. It’s creamy, cheesy and irresistibly smoky, making this the perfect twist on an old classic comfort food<\/a>. Perfect for cozy nights in or as a show-stopping side at gatherings, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Bonus: this recipe is highly customizable, so if you want to make it your own (add bits of bacon! mix in some ham! turn it up with a crumbly topping and extra cheese!) you have plenty of ways to do so.<\/p>\n
Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain; set aside.<\/p>\n
In a large sauce pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour gradually; cook until lightly browned, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard and paprika. Bring to a simmer; cook until sauce has thickened, or about three to four minutes. Whisk occasionally to keep the sauce combined and from sticking. Add cheeses until all cheeses have fully melted. Stir this mixture into the macaroni.<\/p>\n
Transfer the cheese and pasta to a greased 13×9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake until cheese is bubbly and edges are just golden brown, or about 35 to 40 minutes. Top with finely chopped parsley, if desired.<\/p>\n
Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in the fridge. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and put it in the fridge. Enjoy within three to four days.<\/p>\n
Yes, you can freeze leftover mac and cheese to enjoy within three months. Freeze completely cooled mac and cheese in an airtight, freezer-safe container or throw-away freezer pan with cover. It’s best to freeze before baking for best consistency. When you want to enjoy, simple remove from the freezer to the fridge to allow it to thaw overnight. The next day, top and bake as you would normally.<\/p>\n
One of the best parts about homemade mac and cheese is that you have an absurdly creamy texture. If that’s just not happening for you, there are a few reasons why that might be. If you use too much flour in your roux, the sauce can become too thick and lumpy, which will result in a less-than-creamy consistency when it comes to making the mac and cheese. Make sure to not overcook your mac and cheese as well. You can add a little more butter if you need to.<\/p>\n
This smoked gouda mac and cheese is wonderful on its own, but if you want to pair it with something, steamed broccoli<\/a>, dinner rolls and air-fried chicken nuggets<\/a> would be perfect.<\/p>\n
One of the simplest ways to add some fiber into this meal is to drop in lightly steamed broccoli florets or peas. The cheeses and the green veggies pair well together, plus the green adds a nice touch of vibrancy to this dish.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Elevate your typical mac and cheese with this smoked gouda mac and cheese recipe. Made with three types of cheeses, a creamy milk roux and plenty of spices for added flavor, this recipe is a total winner.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8053,"featured_media":2095837,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false},"tags":[303972,303971,304162,306928,306910,304292,305487,303966,306950,303887,306848,307536,306317,304268,307514,306297,324623,304313,304028,304005,304150,303883],"categories-v2":[308503,308500,309439,309924,309906,308988,308481,308305,310796,308495,309945,308478,309603,310514,312180,259483,310497,312156,309177,308313,308609,308549,309434,308476],"coauthors":[343493],"recommended_recipes":[{"post_title":"Baked Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/baked-mac-and-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Baked-Mac-and-Cheese_EXPS_FT24_25257_ST_0206_9.jpg"},{"post_title":"Hot Dog Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/hot-dog-mac-and-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/EXPS_TOHD24_277631_ChristineMa_9.jpg"},{"post_title":"Smoked Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/smoked-mac-and-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Smoked-Mac-and-Cheese_EXPS_TOHVP24_249773_MF_08_22_1.jpg"},{"post_title":"Baked Gruyere Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/baked-three-cheese-macaroni\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Baked-Three-Cheese-Macaroni_EXPS_FT24_120221_EC_070924_2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Bacon Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/bacon-mac-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Bacon-Mac-and-Cheese_EXPS_TOHD24_47929_AlejandroMonfort_11.jpg"},{"post_title":"Smoked Gouda Spinach Pizza","post_link":"\/recipes\/smoked-gouda-spinach-pizza\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Smoked-Gouda-Spinach-Pizza_EXPS_CHMZ19_42931_B10_30_4b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Tuna Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/tuna-mac-and-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Tuna-Mac-and-Cheese_EXPS_TOHD24_277621_DianaRattray_6.jpg"},{"post_title":"Jalapeno Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/jalapeno-mac-and-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Jalapeno-Mac-and-Cheese_EXPS_SDJJ18_198302_C02_14_5b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Mushroom and Smoked Gouda Puff","post_link":"\/recipes\/mushroom-and-smoked-gouda-puff\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/0001\/01\/Mushroom-and-Smoked-Gouda-Puff_EXPS_THD18_64552_C08_03_5b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/pulled-pork-mac-and-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EXPS_TOHD24_277620_ChristineMa_10.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pumpkin Bisque with Smoked Gouda","post_link":"\/recipes\/pumpkin-bisque-with-smoked-gouda\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EXPS_TOHD24_52275_EricKleinberg_6.jpg"},{"post_title":"Smoky Gouda & Chicken Sandwiches","post_link":"\/recipes\/smoky-gouda-chicken-sandwiches\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Smoky-Gouda-Chicken-Sandwiches_exps175654_TH143192D02_12_6bC_RMS-8.jpg"},{"post_title":"Smoked Gouda Veggie Melt","post_link":"\/recipes\/smoked-gouda-veggie-melt\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/Smoked-Gouda-Veggie-Melt_exps126756_SD143203C10_15_3b_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Philly-Style Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/philly-style-mac-and-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Philly-Style-Mac-and-Cheese_exps91491_SD2401784C10_14_3bC_RMS-2.jpg"},{"post_title":"Jalapeno Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/jalapeno-mac-and-cheese-2\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/EXPS_TOHD24_277632_DianaRattray_8.jpg"},{"post_title":"Pimiento Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/pimiento-mac-and-cheese-2\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EXPS_TOHD24_277633_ChristineMa_8.jpg"},{"post_title":"Sausage Mac and Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/sausage-mac-and-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EXPS_TOHD24_277630_SarahTramonte_6.jpg"},{"post_title":"Smoked Gouda and Ham Appetizer Tarts","post_link":"\/recipes\/smoked-gouda-and-ham-appetizer-tarts\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/Smoked-Gouda-and-Ham-Appetizer-Tarts_exps126962_HC2847498A10_12_5b_RMS.jpg"},{"post_title":"Smoked Gouda & Swiss Chard Strata","post_link":"\/recipes\/smoked-gouda-swiss-chard-strata\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps162502_TH163622D04_15_3b.jpg"},{"post_title":"Jalapeno-Bacon Mac & Cheese","post_link":"\/recipes\/jalapeno-bacon-mac-cheese\/","post_image":"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/09\/exps185578_TH143195B07_30_3b.jpg"}],"acf":{"long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false,"ncv_moat_option":"","long_pin":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/EXPS_TOHD24_277619_SoniaBozzo.jpg"},"recipe_schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"Recipe","@id":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese\/","name":"Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese","datePublished":"2024-09-27","dateModified":"2024-10-19","prepTime":"PT30M","cookTime":"PT35M","totalTime":"PT01H05M","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/EXPS_TOHD24_277619_SoniaBozzo.jpg","height":1200,"width":1200},"recipeCategory":["Dinner","Side Dishes"],"description":"Elevate your typical mac and cheese with this smoked gouda mac and cheese recipe. Made with three types of cheeses, a creamy milk roux and plenty of spices for added flavor, this recipe is a total winner.","recipeIngredient":["1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni","1\/4 cup butter","1\/4 cup all-purpose flour","3 cups whole milk","1-1\/4 teaspoons salt","1\/2 teaspoon pepper","1\/4 teaspoon garlic powder","1\/4 teaspoon ground mustard","1\/4 teaspoon paprika","1-1\/2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese","1 cup shredded cheddar cheese","1\/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese","2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, optional"],"recipeInstructions":[{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Cook the macaroni","text":"Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain; set aside.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Smoked-Gouda-Mac-Cheese_TOHD24_277619_SoniaBozzo_1.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Make the cheesy sauce","text":"In a large sauce pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour gradually; cook until lightly browned, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard and paprika. Bring to a simmer; cook until sauce has thickened, or about three to four minutes. Whisk occasionally to keep the sauce combined and from sticking. Add cheeses until all cheeses have fully melted. Stir this mixture into the macaroni.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Smoked-Gouda-Mac-Cheese_TOHD24_277619_SoniaBozzo_2.jpg?fit=700,1024"},{"@type":"HowToStep","name":"Bake the mac and cheese","text":"Transfer the cheese and pasta to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake until cheese is bubbly and edges are just golden brown, or about 35 to 40 minutes. Top with finely chopped parsley, if desired.","image":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Smoked-Gouda-Mac-Cheese_TOHD24_277619_SoniaBozzo_3.jpg?fit=700,1024"}],"recipeYield":"16 servings","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Tana Baer"}],"nutrition":{"@type":"NutritionInformation","calories":" 240 calories","fatContent":"11g fat (6g saturated fat)","cholesterolContent":"33mg cholesterol","sodiumContent":"404mg sodium","carbohydrateContent":"25g carbohydrate (3g sugars","fiberContent":"1g fiber)","proteinContent":"11g protein."},"aggregateRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"AggregateRating","ratingValue":5,"reviewCount":1,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5},"review":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Review","datePublished":"2025-05-25","author":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Person","name":"Janice945"},"reviewBody":"
I made this with extra sharp cheddar instead of the gouda. I made it the day before my cookout and baked it before serving. Needs a little extra salt but was very good!<\/p>","reviewRating":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"worstRating":1,"bestRating":5}}]},"video":{"data":{"status":204},"message":"No shortcode found in recipe"},"rms_legacy_id":"277619","romance_copy_dek":"Elevate your typical mac and cheese with this smoked gouda mac and cheese recipe. Made with three types of cheeses, a creamy milk roux and plenty of spices for added flavor, this recipe is a total winner.","enhanced_recipe_title":"Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese","rms_legacy_data":{"RecipeCategories":null,"Ingredients":[{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni","IngredientText":"1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 cup butter","IngredientText":"1\/4 cup butter"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 cup all-purpose flour","IngredientText":"1\/4 cup all-purpose flour"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"3 cups whole milk","IngredientText":"3 cups whole milk"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1-1\/4 teaspoons salt","IngredientText":"1-1\/4 teaspoons salt"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 teaspoon pepper","IngredientText":"1\/2 teaspoon pepper"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon garlic powder","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon garlic powder"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon ground mustard","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon ground mustard"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/4 teaspoon paprika","IngredientText":"1\/4 teaspoon paprika"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1-1\/2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese","IngredientText":"1-1\/2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1 cup shredded cheddar cheese","IngredientText":"1 cup shredded cheddar cheese"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"1\/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese","IngredientText":"1\/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese"},{"CampaignId":"","IsBrandedIngredient":false,"Ingredient":"2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, optional","IngredientText":"2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley, optional"}],"FeaturedImage":"https:\/\/tmbidigitalassetsazure.blob.core.windows.net\/rms3-prod\/attachments\/37\/1200x1200\/EXPS_TOHD24_277619_SoniaBozzo.jpg","RecipeId":277619,"AttachmentSourceId":null,"AttachmentSource":"Taste Recipes","PhotoCredit":"Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe photo by Taste Recipes","VideoCode":null,"RecipeAttachmentFileName":"EXPS_TOHD24_277619_SoniaBozzo.jpg","ContributorId":null,"Firstname":"Taste Recipes","Lastname":"Test Kitchen","City":"Milwaukee","StateDescription":"Wisconsin","IsCommunityCook":false,"TimeCallout":"Prep: 30 min. Cook: 35 min.","MinimumServingQuantity":16,"MaximumServingQuantity":16,"Yield":"16 servings.","DigitalTitle":"Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese","SubmittedTitle":"Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese","RecipeTypeId":1,"AverageRating":5,"WebPublishedDate":"9\/27\/2024 7:40:58 PM","ContestPlacementId":null,"FbImage":"FB_TOHD24_277619_SoniaBozzo_4.jpg","PreparationTimeInMinutes":30,"CookTimeInMinutes":35,"TotalTimeInMinutes":65,"ServingDescription":null,"IsTestKitchenCertified":true,"IsContestWinner":false,"IsCommunityRecipe":false,"PublishedProjectTitle":"Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese","OriginalSourceProject":"Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese","ContestPlacement":"","Trailer":null,"Metadescription":null,"DigitalHeadnotes":"Rev up classic mac and cheese with this ultra-comforting smoked gouda version. It\u2019s creamy, cheesy and irresistibly smoky. \u2014Taste Recipes Test Kitchen","FreezerDirections":"","FreezerDirectionsTitle":"","HTMLTitle":null,"RecipeVersionNumber":null,"WorkflowStatusId":9,"Directions":[{"Direction":"Preheat oven to 400\u00b0. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain; set aside.","SequenceNo":1},{"Direction":" In a large sauce pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour; cook lightly browned, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard and paprika. Bring to a simmer; cook until thickened, 3-4 minutes, whisking occasionally. Add gouda and cheddar cheeses until cheese has melted; stir in cooked macaroni.","SequenceNo":2},{"Direction":" Transfer mixture to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden brown, 35-40 minutes. If desired, top with parsley.","SequenceNo":3}],"RecipeTaxonomies":{"Budget":[],"CookingStyle":[],"Course":[],"Cuisine":[],"HealthyEating":[],"HolidaysAndCelebrations":[],"Ingredients":[],"Kids":[],"PartnerRecipes":[],"Publications":[],"WinningRecipes":[],"Tags":[{"Name":"Dishes & Beverages","ID":305487},{"Name":"Macaroni & Cheese","ID":306317},{"Name":"Pasta Dishes","ID":306297},{"Name":"Gear","ID":303966},{"Name":"13 x 9","ID":303972},{"Name":"Bakeware","ID":303971},{"Name":"Stock Pot","ID":304028},{"Name":"Stovetop Cookware","ID":304005},{"Name":"Ingredients","ID":306848},{"Name":"Cheddar Cheese","ID":306928},{"Name":"Cheese","ID":306910},{"Name":"Gouda Cheese","ID":306950},{"Name":"Macaroni","ID":307536},{"Name":"Pasta","ID":307514},{"Name":"Meal Types","ID":304268},{"Name":"Dinner","ID":304292},{"Name":"Side Dishes","ID":304313},{"Name":"Techniques","ID":304150},{"Name":"Baking Casseroles & Savories","ID":304162},{"Name":"Recipes","ID":324623}]},"ContributorTypeId":10,"NutritionalAnalyisParagraph":"3\/4 cup: 240 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.","NoOfRatings":1,"GoogleImage16x9":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImages\/EXPS_TOHD24_277619_SoniaBozzo.jpg","GoogleImage4x3":"https:\/\/cdn3.tmbi.com\/toh\/GoogleImagesPostCard\/EXPS_TOHD24_277619_SoniaBozzo.jpg","DefaultImageYn":false,"NativeRecipeTemplate":false,"IsMsn":true,"PinterestImage":"","CarouselImages":[],"SponsorLogoImage":"","SponsorID":"","GlobalCookingTips":[],"RecipeSpecificCookingTips":[]},"breadcrumb":[{"term_id":310796,"name":"Dishes & Beverages","slug":"dishes-beverages","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":310731,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Wondering what to make? We've got recipes for any dish and beverage you're craving, from easy dinners to rich chocolate cakes and everything in between.","parent":309177,"count":43793,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/"},{"term_id":312156,"name":"Pasta Dishes","slug":"pasta-dishes","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312091,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Simmer a cozy supper with these pasta dish recipes, including vegetarian pasta recipes for meatless Monday.","parent":310796,"count":2953,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/pasta-dishes\/"},{"term_id":312180,"name":"Macaroni & Cheese","slug":"macaroni-cheese","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":312115,"taxonomy":"categories-v2","description":"Looking for recipes for macaroni and cheese? Taste Recipes has the best macaroni and cheese recipes from real cooks like you, featuring reviews, ratings, how-to videos and tips.","parent":312156,"count":219,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0","url":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dishes-beverages\/pasta-dishes\/macaroni-cheese\/"}],"meta_data":{"enhanced_fields":{"enhanced_recipe_title":"Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese"}},"analytics":[],"yoast_head":"\n