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Creamy baked ultimate mac & cheese with toasted breadcrumbs in a white dish.

The Ultimate Mac And Cheese

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy twist on the classic comfort food, layered with smoky gouda, sharp cheddar, and a hint of Dijon and paprika for depth. 
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 People
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta:
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi for extra texture
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt for pasta water
For the Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk warm
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • 1 cup smoked Gouda shredded
  • 1 cup sharp white cheddar shredded
  • ½ cup mild cheddar shredded
For the Topping:
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme optional

Equipment

  • Whisk
  • Sauce Pan

Method
 

Cook pasta:
  1. Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the roux:
  1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until slightly nutty.
Build the sauce:
  1. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream. Cook until slightly thickened, 4–5 minutes. Stir in Dijon, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
Add cheeses:
  1. Lower heat and stir in Gouda and both cheddars until melted and silky.
Combine:
  1. Stir pasta into sauce until well coated. Transfer to a greased 9x13 baking dish.
Prep topping:
  1. In a small bowl, mix panko with olive oil, Parmesan, and thyme. Sprinkle evenly over pasta.
Bake:
  1. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly

Notes

  • Cheese Substitutions: If you can’t find smoked gouda, regular gouda works beautifully. You can also mix in sharp cheddar, fontina, or gruyère for a more complex flavor.
  • Smokiness Factor: For a stronger smoky flavor, add  a touch of liquid smoke in the sauce.
  • Pasta Shape: Elbow macaroni is classic, but cavatappi, shells, or penne hold the creamy sauce especially well.
  • Make It Creamier: Stir in 2–3 ounces of cream cheese or mascarpone with the sauce for extra richness.