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Stovetop Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4 from 52 reviews

This Stovetop Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting pasta dish featuring a rich sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and smooth gouda cheeses. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, it delivers a velvety texture with perfectly al dente elbow macaroni, seasoned with Old Bay seasoning and topped with a sprinkle of paprika and black pepper for an extra flavor kick.

Ingredients

Macaroni

  • 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni

Sauce

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 and ½ cups whole milk
  • ¼ teaspoon table salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more for topping
  • ¼ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
  • 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 ounces shredded gouda cheese

Toppings

  • Paprika for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Make the Roux: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the melted butter and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently with a silicone whisk until the flour is lightly browned and the paste is smooth.
  3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add the table salt, black pepper, and Old Bay seasoning. Then add the shredded sharp cheddar and gouda cheeses. Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon without sliding off.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked elbow macaroni into the thickened cheese sauce and stir well to combine, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated with the velvety sauce.
  6. Serve: Dish out the mac and cheese and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and additional black pepper as desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Storage: Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat by adding a splash of milk and microwaving for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, or reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk.
  • Substitutions: Gouda cheese can be substituted with mild cheddar or Gruyere for a different but equally delicious flavor.