**The Ultimate Comfort Food: mac and cheese with gouda recipe for a Cozy Night In**

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with gouda recipe. This delightful twist on a class……

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with gouda recipe. This delightful twist on a classic favorite is perfect for a cozy night in, offering a rich and satisfying meal that will warm you from the inside out. In this detailed guide, we'll walk you through the steps to create the ultimate mac and cheese with gouda recipe, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and comfort.

### Ingredients

To start, gather the following ingredients for your mac and cheese with gouda recipe:

- 2 cups elbow macaroni

- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

- 2 cups whole milk

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 2 cups shredded gouda cheese

- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

- 1 teaspoon mustard powder

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

- 2 tablespoons melted butter

- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

### Instructions

#### 1. Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook when baked later. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

#### 2. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes, or until it turns a light golden color.

Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.

Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded gouda and cheddar cheeses, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

#### 3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure that every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy goodness. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

#### 4. Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Mix well to ensure the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.

#### 5. Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese with gouda recipe for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling.

#### 6. Serve

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious mac and cheese with gouda recipe as a main dish or a comforting side.

### Tips for the Perfect mac and cheese with gouda recipe

1. **Cheese Selection**: While gouda is the star of this dish, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gruyere or fontina for added depth of flavor.

2. **Pasta Choice**: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Shells and cavatappi are great alternatives.

3. **Breadcrumbs**: For a more flavorful topping, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs to the panko mixture.

4. **Make-Ahead**: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.

By following this detailed guide, you’ll create a mac and cheese with gouda recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish offers the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy comfort. Enjoy!