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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Crock Pot Recipe

    Modified: Oct 19, 2025 by Kori Butler

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    This smoked gouda mac and cheese crock pot recipe is going to be THE dish you will be asked to bring for every get-together! Luckily for you, it's super easy to throw into the crock, set and forget. 😉 This mac is super cheesy, creamy, slightly smoky, and full of flavor. Everyone will LOVE it!

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    Jump to:
    • Best Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Ever
    • Crock Pot Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe Ingredients
    • How To Make Crock Pot Mac and Cheese with Gouda and Cheddar
    • How to Serve This Recipe For Smoke Gouda Mac and Cheese
    • Variations
    • Slow Cooker Tips
    • FAQ's
    • 📖 The recipe.
    • More Tasty Crockpot Recipes
    • 💬 What readers are saying.

    Best Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Ever

    Loaded with Flavor! Using smoked gouda cheese in this recipe adds a perfect, slightly smoky flavor to this decadent mac and cheese. Seasonings such as smoked paprika, mustard powder, and fresh diced onion pack even more flavor.

    Perfect for Parties. Macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it be the next family gathering, dinner for your own family, or a work party! Everyone is always complimenting this recipe and wanting the recipe.

    Customize with your Favorites. Add in some of your favorite toppings, proteins, or veggies to make it your own. This makes it fun for kids to want to eat, and I also love eating it!

    Crock Pot Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe Ingredients

    Ingredients needed for making smoked gouda mac and cheese in crock pot.

    Here are the ingredients you will need to make this slow cooker smoked gouda mac and cheese:

    • Olive Oil: used to coat the noodles to blister in the microwave. Use your favorite kind of oil!
    • Elbow Macaroni: use a standard-sized uncooked macaroni noodle for this recipe. You may substitute medium shells for a similar cooking time if preferred.
    • Onion: sweet, white, and yellow onions work best in this recipe. Use what you have on hand or omit it if preferred.
    • Low Sodium Chicken Broth: you don't need to use low sodium; however, the cheese in this recipe adds a decent amount of sodium, so using low-sodium broth it helps control the seasoning and taste.
    • Evaporated Milk: this is typically found in the baking aisle at your local grocery store. Evaporated milk is milk, heated to reduce the water out to make a concentrated result. Substitute with heavy cream for an alternative with a similar end result.
    • Processed Cheese: use block American cheese or cheese slices. You can use the typical yellow American or use white American cheese if preferred for color.
    • Smoked Gouda: use a fresh block of gouda cheese for the best cheese sauce and shred yourself at home. This will give the best flavor and creaminess to your Mac.
    • Smoked Paprika: adds a smoky and slightly tangy flavor.
    • Mustard Powder: many southern comfort recipes for macaroni and cheese use mustard powder to add a slight acidity and tang to your recipe. It is a great complimenting seasoning to add that isn't overpowering, it's just perfect!
    • Sour Cream: used for added creaminess; you can substitute with cream cheese if preferred.
    • Butter
    • Salt and Pepper to Taste
    • Optional: fresh chives or parsley for garnish

    For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

    How To Make Crock Pot Mac and Cheese with Gouda and Cheddar

    Here are the steps for making this easy crock pot mac and cheese (uncooked macaroni) recipe:

    Microwaving pasta and onions in a white dish.

    1. Combine olive oil, pasta, and onion in a microwave-safe dish and cook at 30% power for 3 to 5 minutes until the pasta is blistered.

    Adding pasta, broth, and cheese to crock pot.

    2. Add broth, evaporated milk, processed cheese, and macaroni to the crockpot. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or until pasta is cooked.

    Adding gouda and sour cream to the cooked pasta.

    3. Add gouda, sour cream, butter, and seasonings to the crockpot and stir. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted.

    Seasoning with salt and pepper and serving mac and cheese in crock pot.

    4. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with garnish, and enjoy!

    For full details on how to make this, please see the recipe card below!

    Hint:  when blistering your pasta in the microwave be sure to stir often. I would suggest stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning the noodles. Blistering the noodles before cooking in the crockpot adds integrity to the noodle to prevent it from being overcooked, mushy, and have the gluey starchy feel to it.

    How to Serve This Recipe For Smoke Gouda Mac and Cheese

    • There are several ways you can serve your creamy smoked gouda macaroni and cheese! 
    • Garnish your mac with fresh chopped chives or green onion. You can add your favorite fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, oregano, etc.
    • Serve as a side dish with a main protein such as grilled chicken or steak.
    • Serve with your favorite fresh crusty bread and butter.
    • Add a ritz cracker crumble over top of your mac for an added texture!
    • Meal idea! Serve this delicious macaroni and cheese as a "build your own" style! Serve with your favorite toppings such as crumbled bacon, cubed ham, broccoli, additional shredded cheese, or any other. It's a fun way to serve your family or for a party!
    Pin

    Variations

    Here are some suggestions for customizing your crockpot mac and cheese:

    • Substitute the smoked gouda cheese with your favorites! Try using sharp cheddar cheese, pepper jack, mozzarella, or a combination.
    • Add protein to the macaroni and cheese or use it as a topping. I suggest crumbled bacon, cubed ham, and shredded rotisserie chicken or steak strips.
    • Make it spicy by adding chopped green chilies, seeded, diced fresh jalapeno, or chipotle powder to the mac while cooking in the crock pot. Start light and add more to taste!
    • Use cream cheese instead of sour cream for a cheesier mac.

    Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later! 🙂

    Pinterest pin with smoked gouda mac and cheese in a black crockpot.Pin

    Slow Cooker Tips

    • Spray your crockpot with a nonstick cooking spray before you add your ingredients. This helps with preventing that crusty ring around the top and bottom. You can use a crockpot liner for additional easy cleanup.
    • Use fresh block cheese and shred yourself at home for the best result of your macaroni and cheese. Some prepackaged shredded cheeses have a thickening agent that coats the cheese, which may result in a clumpy end product.

    FAQ's

    How to store it

    Store your leftovers (if there are any) in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

    How to reheat

    Reheat in the microwave for the quickest and easiest option. Hint* Break up the macaroni and cheese in your bowl before microwaving to allow for more even heating. You can also reheat your leftovers in the oven for the most even cooking and to prevent the sauce from breaking.

    How to freeze

    It is not suggested to freeze macaroni and cheese after cooking due to the reheating process and the sauce breaking.

    Is smoked gouda good in mac and cheese?

    Absolutely! Gouda cheese is actually a very easily melted cheese making it great for making macaroni and cheese. Smoked gouda is going to have a smoky, sultry flavor that will mix well with other ingredients such as bacon, chives, smoked paprika, and peppers.

    Is gouda a good melting cheese for mac and cheese?

    Gouda cheeses typically have a higher fat content, so they melt much easier than other types of cheese. This makes for a creamier and cheesier macaroni and cheese.

    Why does my homemade mac cheese always get grainy?

    If you use pre-shredded store-bought cheeses, you may notice that your mac sauce gets a slightly grainy texture. This is because most store-bought shredded cheese has cellulose that coats the cheese to prevent clumping. This is also used as a thickener, so it can make your mac sauce textured and grainy.

    If you tried this recipe, let me know! I'd love for you to come back and give the recipe a 5 star rating and leave a review in the comments! 🙂 Let's stay connected, so please follow me on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest! Subscribe to my newsletter to get easy delicious crockpot recipe ideas every week!

    📖 The recipe.

    White porcelain bowl filled with macaroni and cheese. Garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs and seasoning.

    Crock Pot Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

    A totally upgraded mac and cheese with smoked gouda and cheddar. It's smoky, creamy, and delicious AND it's super easy to make in your slow cooker!
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
    Author Kori
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 3 hours hrs
    Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Slow Cooker Side Dishes
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8
    Calories 575 kcal

    Equipment

    • 6-quart crock pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 16 ounces dry elbow macaroni
    • ½ cup onion (diced)
    • 3½ cups low sodium chicken broth
    • 1 (12-ounce cans) evaporated milk
    • 8 ounces processed cheese (slices or a block cut into cubes)
    • 8 ounces smoked gouda (shredded)
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 2 tablespoons butter
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • optional: fresh chives or parsley for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • In a microwave-safe dish, stir pasta, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and onion together. Microwave for 4 to 6 minutes on 30% power, stirring frequently. Cook until at least half the pasta is blistered and turning golden brown.
    • Add broth, evaporated milk, processed American cheese, and macaroni to the pot. Cover and cook on high 2 to 3 hours, or until pasta is just tender.
    • Add gouda, sour cream, butter, smoked paprika, and dry mustard to the crock pot and stir to combine. Continue cooking and periodically stirring until the cheese is melted.
    • To make it creamier, stir in more broth, sour cream, butter, or milk. Adust salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    For more helpful hints, substitution ideas, slow cooking tips, and other delicious recipe ideas, check out my post above.
    CROCKPOT COOKING TIP: Every slow cooker heats a little differently, so cooking times can vary. Once you know how your crock pot runs (hotter or cooler), you can adjust as needed. For meats and proteins, always use a thermometer to check doneness—the internal temperature is the most accurate way to know when it’s ready.
    VARIATIONS: Swap out the smoked gouda for another favorite cheese to vary the taste. Try sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella. Add cooked and crumbled bacon. Add cooked crumbled bacon or ham cubes.
    SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Crumble Ritz crackers over the top for a crunchy topping. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, and additional cheese. 

     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 575kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 28gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 842mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 791IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 753mgIron: 1mg
    DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Mention @slowcookedeatsofficial or tag #slowcookedeats! Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to receive more slow cooked goodness straight to your inbox.

    © 2025 Slow Cooked Eats

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    1. Stephanie says

      May 26, 2023 at 12:14 pm

      Can this be cooked on low in the slow cooker instead of high?

      Reply
      • slowcookedeats says

        May 29, 2023 at 4:56 pm

        Hello! I haven't cooked it on low before, but I do know when testing other recipes with dry pasta, they all got quite mushy and the pasta absorbed an enormous amount of the liquid. Thank you! I hope you enjoy! 🙂

        Reply

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