Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, cheesy macaroni baked with smoked gouda and sharp cheddar, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust for a comforting side or main dish. 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 450 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 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 12 oz elbow macaroni for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until the roux turns a light golden color.
  3. Step 3: Slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 8 oz shredded smoked gouda, 4 oz shredded sharp cheddar, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder until cheese is melted.
  4. Step 4: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, then transfer into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. Step 5: Toss 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda 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 Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda?

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 Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda?

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 Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda 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 Oven-Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Gouda?

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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