Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

At our house, the adults anticipate a bountiful spread of traditional Thanksgiving favorites, but it’s often another story for the younger members of our family.

But while I’m piling my plate high with slices of turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce, my kids pick around the buffet line, ending up with a few things they like — a slice of turkey, a roll, strawberry salad, some forced green beans.

While I try not to make a habit of catering to their small, picky palettes, I DO want to serve up a side that’s sure to be a hit with everyone, even our smallest guests! So I decided to add a surefire hit for all ages to our Thanksgiving table – creamy decadent smoked gouda macaroni and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food elevated to holiday-side status with creamy Belfonte Whipping Cream, Belfonte Whole Milk and two cheeses, and topped with bacon if you’re feeling extra.

This holiday season, I’ve partnered with Belfonte to create recipes inspired by their rich, delicious dairy products. Belfonte is a family-founded Kansas City dairy that’s been providing KC and the Midwest with locally-produced products for more than 35 years. Visit Belfonte HERE for recipe inspiration or HERE to share what you’re thankful for, for a chance to win $300 in Belfonte products!

Now, are you ready to get cheesy?

This recipe was inspired by time in the kitchen with my 11-year-old daughter, Adelyn. With virtual learning this fall, we’ve had a lot more together time. By lunchtime, she’s ready for a break from her screen, and she loves to create in the kitchen. Homemade smoked gouda macaroni and cheese is one of her lunchtime favorites.

In true independent girl fashion, she says she doesn’t want my help with lunch, she can do it herself. I’m a little sad, but mostly just happy she feels confident in the kitchen and that she can make a good meal for herself!

While Adelyn typically makes her gouda macaroni and cheese on the stovetop to serve two, I’ve modified her process and ingredients to serve a Thanksgiving crowd.

I hope that you and your kids enjoy whipping up this recipe and sharing it around your family table this Thanksgiving!

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Ingredients

1 lb of pasta (Any kind of short pasta, elbow macaroni or shells will do!)
16 oz. freshly grated smoked gouda cheese (divided)
8 oz. freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
4 T flour
2 cups Belfonte Heavy Whipping Cream
2 cups Belfonte Whole Milk
½ t ground mustard
1 t garlic powder
¼ t ground nutmeg
Salt, to taste (I didn’t need salt when I salted my pasta water)

How to Make Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Cook pasta according to the package directions, then set aside. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. (You want to use a large pot because you’ll be adding all your ingredients to this pot at the end.) Once the butter has melted, stir in flour to make a roux. This acts as a thickening agent for the creamy, cheesy goodness that is to come!
3. Next, add Belfonte Heavy Cream and milk to your roux and whisk until smooth. Let this mixture come to a very low boil. Then add in your seasonings and stir until well-incorporated.
4. Then, add your two cheeses and whisk until cheeses are completely incorporated. Then add your pasta to the cheese sauce in the pot. Stir until your pasta is coated with sauce. Adjust salt to your taste.
5. Finally, transfer all that cheesy noodle goodness from your pot to a large greased baking dish and top with remaining gouda cheese. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until your pasta is golden and bubbly. Top with bacon if desired!