Creamy Gouda Macaroni and Cheese

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and gooey baked pasta dish with melted Gouda, breadcrumbs, and a buttery sauce for a comforting meal. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 65 minutes pairs (uncooked) macaroni, whole milk, (grated) Gouda cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.6 (13 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 1 cup macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp flour and whisk for 1 minute until golden. Gradually stir in 1 cup milk, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup Gouda cheese and 1/2 cup Parmesan until melted and smooth. Fold in cooked macaroni.
  4. Step 4: Transfer to a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Whisk in 1 whole egg, then sprinkle 1/4 cup bread crumbs and 1 tbsp parsley on top. Drizzle with 1 tbsp butter.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Gouda Macaroni and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (30 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Gouda Macaroni and Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (uncooked) macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Gouda Macaroni and Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Gouda Macaroni and Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Gouda Macaroni and Cheese?

American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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