Jazz-Inspired Smoked Gouda Macaroni Bake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A comforting baked macaroni and cheese dish featuring smoky gouda and a hint of Dijon mustard for a soulful twist. This american-inspired comfort food ready in about 55 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until it forms a smooth roux and smells nutty.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded smoked gouda, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until melted and smooth.
  5. Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well, then pour into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  6. Step 6: In a small bowl, toss 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Jazz-Inspired Smoked Gouda Macaroni Bake take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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 Jazz-Inspired Smoked Gouda Macaroni Bake?

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 elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Jazz-Inspired Smoked Gouda Macaroni Bake?

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 Jazz-Inspired Smoked Gouda Macaroni Bake 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 Jazz-Inspired Smoked Gouda Macaroni Bake?

American comfort food 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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