Smoked Gouda and Cigar-Spice Infused Macaroni and Cheese

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

Decadent baked macaroni and cheese elevated with smoked gouda and a subtle smoky spice blend inspired by cigar flavors. This american-inspired comfort food ready in about 50 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 550 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: 35 min Serves 6 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes until bubbling and golden, whisking constantly.
  3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded smoked gouda, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt until cheese melts completely.
  5. Step 5: Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  6. Step 6: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup bread crumbs with 2 tbsp olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle over macaroni and cheese.
  7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25 minutes until top is golden and sauce is bubbly. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Gouda and Cigar-Spice Infused Macaroni and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 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 Smoked Gouda and Cigar-Spice Infused 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 elbow macaroni from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Gouda and Cigar-Spice Infused 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 Smoked Gouda and Cigar-Spice Infused 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 Smoked Gouda and Cigar-Spice Infused Macaroni and Cheese?

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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