Gouda & Parmesan Macaroni & Cheese
A rich, creamy mac and cheese with a golden Gouda crust and a cheesy, buttery interior. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs cooked al dente macaroni, butter, flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, cooked al dente macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup, shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup, grated Gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup, grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup, panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 cups milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Step 2: Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Gouda, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Fold in 12 oz cooked macaroni. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gouda & Parmesan Macaroni & Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 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 Gouda & Parmesan Macaroni & 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 cooked al dente macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Gouda & Parmesan Macaroni & 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 Gouda & Parmesan Macaroni & Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Gouda & Parmesan Macaroni & 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order american delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
