Go Back
Soul Food Mac and Cheese with Smoked gouda

Soul Food Mac and Cheese with Smoked Gouda

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Medium saucepan for making the roux and cheese sauce
  • Whisk crucial for making that lump-free sauce
  • 9x13-inch baking dish the perfect size for this oven baked mac and cheese recipe
  • Box grater for shredding cheese (freshly grated is better than pre-shredded)
  • Mixing spoon or spatula to combine the ingredients evenly

Ingredients
  

  • Elbow macaroni – 1 lb classic, but you can use cavatappi or shells for more texture
  • Smoked Gouda – 2 cups shredded (the star of the show, for that smoky depth)
  • Sharp cheddar – 2 cups shredded (adds that iconic tang)
  • Cream cheese – 4 oz helps with that ultra-creamy texture
  • Velveeta – 1 cup cubed (yes, this one’s key for that nostalgic baked mac and cheese recipe velveeta fans swear by)
  • Whole milk – 2 cups
  • Heavy cream – 1 cup rich and luscious
  • Salted butter – 4 tbsp
  • All-purpose flour – 3 tbsp for the roux
  • Salt – 1 tsp
  • Black pepper – 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika – ½ tsp compliments the gouda’s flavor
  • Garlic powder – ½ tsp
  • Onion powder – ½ tsp
  • Egg – 1 large to bind the casserole slightly
  • Breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers – ½ cup optional, for that crunchy topping

Instructions
 

Boil the Pasta

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than the box says). Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly—this is your roux.
  2. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, making sure to dissolve all lumps. Let this simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  3. Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese and Velveeta. Once melted, add in the smoked gouda and sharp cheddar. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Combine and Layer

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Stir in the beaten egg to help the mixture bind during baking.
  3. Pour everything into your greased baking dish. If you're going for that crispy topping, sprinkle on the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers now.

Bake to Perfection

  1. Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden.
  2. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. The wait is painful, but it’s worth it for that perfect texture.