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Smoked gouda mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food upgrade, packed with bold flavor and creamy texture. This recipe blends smoky gouda, sharp white cheddar and crispy pancetta for a grown-up twist on a classic favorite. Finished with a buttery, crunchy topping made from fried onions and truffle salt, every bite is rich and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday sides or indulgent potlucks, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to be the first dish to disappear.

Side view of mac and cheese.

This smoked gouda mac and cheese features a creamy, smoky sauce, crispy pancetta and a truffle-kissed onion topping, baked until beautifully golden.

If you enjoy this, you might also like campfire mac and cheese, loaded mac and cheese and taco mac and cheese.

A bowl of Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with a crispy topping sits beside a yellow cloth on a wooden table—a grown up mac and cheese that's rich, creamy, and perfect for any recipe using smoked gouda.

Why You’ll Love It

Incredible depth of flavor: Smoked gouda, pancetta, and truffle salt bring serious richness.
Crunchy topping: The onion crumble adds contrast and texture.
Great for gatherings: It makes enough to feed a crowd and always impresses.
Comforting and indulgent: A cozy dish with upscale ingredients.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with different cheeses or toppings.

A white bowl filled with Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese topped with a golden, crispy crust sits on a wooden table—an upscale macaroni dinner perfect for cheese lovers.

Smoked Mac and Cheese Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Macaroni: The pasta base, cooked al dente to hold up in the cheese sauce.
Pancetta: Adds a salty, crispy bite to balance the creamy sauce.
Unsalted butter: For richness and to form the base of the roux.
Garlic and shallot: Add aromatic depth to the sauce.
All purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce.
Heavy cream and whole milk: Make the sauce extra rich and velvety.
Smoked gouda and white cheddar: Melt into a flavorful, creamy sauce.
Fresh cracked peppercorns: Adds a subtle bite and warmth.
Crispy fried onions: Create a crunchy, flavorful topping.
Truffle salt: Infuses the topping with a luxurious earthy flavor.
Red pepper flakes: Provide a touch of gentle heat.

Ingredients for grown up mac and cheese arranged on a wooden surface, including pasta, Pancetta or bacon, cheese, milk, and spices.

How to Make Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté pancetta: Brown in olive oil until crispy, then set aside.
Make the roux: Melt butter, then cook garlic and shallot. Whisk in flour.
Build the sauce: Slowly add cream and milk, whisking to thicken. Stir in cheese until melted.
Combine everything: Mix the cheese sauce, pasta and pancetta, and pour into a casserole dish.
Make the topping: Pulse fried onions, then mix with melted butter, truffle salt and red pepper flakes.
Bake: Spread the topping over the mac and cheese and bake until golden. Serve hot.

A white bowl of creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese sits with a spoon on a wooden table, perfect for an upscale macaroni dinner.

Substitutions and Variations

Use other cheeses: Try Gruyère, fontina, or smoked mozzarella for a different flavor.
Swap pancetta: Use bacon or turkey bacon if preferred.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the pancetta and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
Boost the heat: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

A white bowl filled with grown up mac and cheese, featuring baked macaroni in a creamy smoked gouda sauce and topped with a golden, crispy layer.

Serving Suggestions

With meat: Smoked mac and cheese goes perfectly with Italian steak, a cheeseburger wellington or roasted chicken.
With fish or seafood: You could also pair it with pistachio salmon or smoked shrimp

A bowl of creamy, upscale macaroni and cheese topped with breadcrumbs and black pepper, featuring a spoon inside—an inviting gourmet macaroni dinner.

How to Store Mac and Cheese

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and eat within 3 or 4 days.
Freeze: You can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: Give it about 15 minutes at 375 degrees F in the oven or else heat it back up at 50% power in the microwave.

Bowl of gourmet macaroni dinner with a crispy topping, featuring pancetta, on a rustic wooden table with garlic and shallots nearby.

Top Tips

Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t skip the roux: This keeps the sauce from separating.
Let it rest: Let the finished dish sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets.

A white bowl of creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese sits with a spoon on a wooden table, perfect for an upscale macaroni dinner.

Grown Up Mac and Cheese FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Although it’s best served fresh from the oven, you can make this dish ahead. Just make it until the baking stage then refrigerate it. When you’re ready to cook it, proceed with the recipe, allowing the mac and cheese to come to room temperature while the oven is warming up.

What’s the history of mac and cheese?

Mac and cheese dates back further than you might think. In fact, pasta and cheese were paired as long ago as in the 1300s! The first modern(ish) recipe was in an 18th century cookbook and incorporated a béchamel sauce with the pasta, cheddar and parmesan. The dish made its way to the US and was served in 1802 at a state dinner by Thomas Jefferson.

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese baked in a white bowl, topped with melted cheese and crispy pancetta or bacon, sits on a wooden table with a yellow cloth.

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Pancetta Recipe

Food blogger, Bella Bucchiotti of xoxoBella, shares a recipe for smoked gouda mac and cheese with pancetta or bacon. You will love this upscale or gourmet macaroni dinner!
Print
5 from 9 votes

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

By: Bella Bucchiotti
Creamy smoked gouda mac and cheese with pancetta and crispy onion topping is a rich and comforting baked dish perfect for dinner or special gatherings.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 9

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 Pound elbow macaroni, uncooked weight
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ Cup pancetta
  • ½ Cup butter
  • 2 Teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 Tablespoon shallot, minced
  • ¼ Cup all purpose flour
  • 1 Cup heavy cream
  • 2 Cups whole milk
  • 8 Ounces smoked Gouda, shredded
  • 6 Ounces white cheddar, shredded
  • 1 Teaspoon peppercorns, fresh cracked
  • 2 Cups crispy fried onions
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 Teaspoon truffle salt
  • ½ Teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions 

  • Bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil. Boil the elbow noodles al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In the meantime heat a deep frying pan over medium high heat.
  • Once hot, add the olive oil and swirl to coat. Add in the pancetta and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Remove the pancetta from the pan and set aside. Don't drain the pan. Add the butter and melt. Once melted, add in the minced garlic and shallot and sauté for 2 minutes.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Alternate incorporating the heavy cream and milk slowly ¼ cup at a time. Whisk well and cook for 5 minutes to thicken. Then stir in the cheese. Turn off the heat and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Combine noodles, cheese sauce, and pancetta in a large bowl. Stir well.
  • Pour macaroni and cheese into a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
  • Add fried onions to the food processor and pulse 5 to 6 times. Add to a bowl and pour in the melted butter. Add in truffle salt and red pepper flakes. Stir with a fork until combined.
  • Evenly spread crumb mixture over the top of the macaroni.
  • Place the casserole dish into the oven on the center rack and bake for 20 minutes. Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes and then serve in bowls.

Notes

Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Don’t skip the roux: This keeps the sauce from separating.
Let it rest: Let the finished dish sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets.

Nutrition

Calories: 398kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 684mg | Potassium: 210mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 990IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 423mg | Iron: 0.4mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!
Ingredients for grown up mac and cheese arranged on a wooden surface, including pasta, Pancetta or bacon, cheese, milk, and spices.
A gray pan with chopped vegetables, oil, and flour on a wooden surface hints at the start of a gourmet macaroni dinner—perfect for crafting an upscale Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with garlic, chili, and shallot nearby.
A hand pours milk into a bowl of beaten eggs with vegetables and pancetta on a wooden table, perfect for an upscale macaroni dinner.
A glass bowl of minced mixture with pancetta or bacon sits on a wooden table alongside garlic, peppers, and a yellow cloth—perfect for adding gourmet flair to your upscale macaroni dinner.
A skillet filled with creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese sits on a wooden table beside a yellow cloth and fresh vegetables, offering an upscale macaroni dinner perfect for any gourmet occasion.
Gourmet macaroni dinner featuring baked macaroni and cheese with smoked Gouda and crispy pancetta, topped with golden breadcrumbs in a white casserole dish on a wooden table.

This pancetta mac and cheese takes everything you love about the classic version and makes it next-level. The combination of smoky gouda, creamy cheddar, and savory pancetta creates a bold and comforting base, while the crispy onion topping brings crunch and flavor in every bite. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and destined to become a favorite. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, this smoked gouda mac and cheese truly delivers.

Other Recipes to Try

Creamy mac and cheese with a golden crust in a bowl, garnished with herbs, cracked pepper, and crispy pancetta for an upscale macaroni dinner.
Gourmet macaroni dinner featuring creamy pancetta and smoked gouda mac and cheese, topped with a golden, crispy crust and served on a rustic wooden table.
Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 9 votes (1 rating without comment)

19 Comments

    1. It goes in the topping. I edited it in the recipe. Thanks for letting me know it was missed. If you can’t find truffle salt, just omit. Will still taste great.

      Reply

  5. 5 stars
    This sounds incredible! I love mac n cheese and smoked gouda sounds like the perfect cheese to add!

    Reply

  6. 5 stars
    This looks so good! I wonder how this taste! This is really something good to try, leveling up our mac n cheese traditional recipe!

    Reply

  7. This looks amazing! I usually make the macaroni and cheese for my family at family dinners and this would be a perfect switch from the traditional

    Reply