What’s the best cheese combo for homemade mac and cheese? It’s brie and gouda, for sure! This extra-creamy stove-top Brie Mac and Cheese recipe is a different and delicious twist on classic mac and cheese. Plus, this easy dinner recipe is ready in just 30 minutes!
This Creamy Brie & Gouda Mac and Cheese uses two types of cheese—one bold, and one more mild, to make the perfectly balanced bite. The unique flavor of Brie shines in the creamy cheese sauce that is only better served over delicious al dente pasta.
This Mac will quickly become a family favorite for delicious one-pot dinners!
Okay. I’ll admit it. I’m utterly in love with cheese. So much so that my husband literally bought me cheese pajamas for Valentine’s Day (SO ROMANTIC).
I try to reduce my cheese consumption as much as I can, so when I do eat cheese I go ALL OUT!
So, needless to say, I take mac and cheese VERY seriously. And this one. Well, this one is my all-time favorite.
Green tip: Industrial dairy production has a huge impact on the environment, especially because of the amount of land it takes to sustain and its high amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing your dairy consumption is one great way to reduce your ecological footprint.
No-Bake Gouda and Brie Mac and Cheese Ingredients
We use two types of cheese, a spice blend, plus a few other key ingredients to make this extra creamy brie mac and cheese.
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Macaroni. Or really any other short noodle you prefer.
- Butter. The fat component of your roux.
- Flour. To form a roux to get the creamiest cheese sauce.
- Garlic powder. For flavor.
- Nutmeg. For nuttiness.
- Black pepper. For a little bit of spice.
- Gouda. For extra creaminess.
- Brie. The star of this dish!
- Milk. To complete your cheese sauce.
Brie Mac and Cheese Tips and Tricks
Prep Your Gouda and Brie Cheese
In order to get a silky smooth creamy cheese sauce, we need to make sure the cheese will easily melt down.
Remove the rind from both cheeses by using a sharp knife to slice it off.
You guys know how much I hate waste! SO instead of throwing them out, check out these clever ways to use cheese rinds.
Green tip: Did you know that of the billions of pounds of food wasted annually, it is estimated that 50% of it happens in our homes? It’s always best to avoid food waste as much as you can!
The brie will melt rather easily, but cubing it will help it along. Cut your chunk of brie into little cubes roughly one cubic inch.
The gouda can be grated so that it seamlessly melts into the sauce.
Cook Your Pasta Al Dente
Though I am typically a proponent of salting your pasta water, it’s best not to here. You get the strong flavor from the brie, but also a lot of salt from both kinds of cheese.
Infusing more salt into the pasta may run the risk of making your brie mac and cheese too salty. Remember, you can always add more salt, but it’s hard to come back from a dish that’s too salty.
Cook your macaroni al dente, then pour into a colander, so the water can drain.
Green Tip: Pasta water with no salt added is actually super starchy and nutrient-rich, making it perfect for watering your plants!
Avoid wasting water by allowing your pasta water to cool and using it to water your house plants or herb garden.
Start With A Roux for the Creamiest Macaroni and Cheese
To get the perfect consistency for your cheese sauce, you’ll start by making a roux.
Add the butter to the pot over low heat and allow it to melt. Add the flour and whisk, ensuring there are no lumps of flour.
You’ll be left with a sticky roux that will end up thickening your sauce.
Cook Your Brie and Gouda Cheese Sauce Low and Slow
It’s best to keep your burner on low to avoid overheating and curdling.
Once you form your roux, you’re ready to start your creamy brie cheese sauce. Add 1 cup of milk and whisk until smooth.
Next, add both cheeses and your spices and continue to stir over low heat until all the cheese melts and you’re left with a creamy smooth sauce.
Keep Some Extra Milk on Hand
Once your sauce is ready, add your cooked macaroni back to the pot.
Stir until the noodles are coated, and assess if it’s too thick. If so, add a little extra milk.
Start with a small amount, a couple of tablespoons at most. Continue to stir until you get your ideal consistency.
Taste to see if it needs any extra salt or pepper. Option to garnish with scallions for some color, texture, and an extra punch of flavor.
Add the Cooked Macaroni to the Cheese Sauce
Once your brie and gouda cheese sauce is ready, all that’s left to do is add the cooked macaroni! Use a spatula to stir the macaroni into the sauce until the mac is completely coated.
Before serving, taste it to make sure it doesn’t need any more pepper or some salt. It’s much easier to stir that in and evenly distribute it throughout your brie mac and cheese while it’s still in the pot.
Then, you have the option to garnish with some scallions for a hit of freshness and color.
How to Properly Store and Reheat Leftover Mac and Cheese with Brie
This no-bake brie mac and cheese is best fresh, but can absolutely be saved and reheated. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
You can also opt to freeze it for up to a year.
Reheating is as easy as adding it back to the pot with a little bit of milk over low heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of milk per 1/2 cup serving of mac n cheese.
Continue to stir over low heat until heated thoroughly—about 10-15 minutes.
You can also opt to reheat in the microwave. Add the milk as instructed above with the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on high in 45-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.
Green tip: Of the billions of tons of food wasted annually, 50% of food waste happens at home. Reduce your contribution to food waste by properly storing, reheating, and consuming leftovers.
Brie & Gouda Mac and Cheese Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheese for homemade mac and cheese?
When choosing your cheeses for homemade mac and cheese, you want to have a combination of a high-moisture cheese (like cheddar or gouda) and a soft cow’s milk cheese (like brie or camembert).
This will give you both the smoothest, creamiest texture and flavorful, cheesy taste. I find that the best cheese combo for mac and cheese is Brie and Gouda.
What is the best pasta type for mac and cheese?
Elbow macaroni will give you the most classic shape, texture, and taste, but you can also opt for any short pasta.
Short pasta includes Gemelli, Cavatappi, Fusilli, Rotini, Farfalle, Penne, Rigatoni, and Ziti.
Does Brie cheese melt well?
Brie has a naturally soft, custard-like texture, making a wonderful melting cheese. With just a small amount of heat, brie melts and becomes extremely creamy—the perfect cheese for mac and cheese!
Why You Should Make this Creamy Brie & Gouda Mac and Cheese
- It’s extra cheesy. Two types of cheese—one bold and one mild, to make a well-balanced, but extra cheesy bite.
- It’s unique. Forget the same old mac and cheese you’ve had one million time. We all deserve a little surprise and delight every now and then.
- The consistency! Its JUST. SO. CREAMY.
If you’re loving this Creamy No-Bake Brie Mac and Cheese, you’re sure to love this award-winning classic Mac-n-Cheese and Easy Cheesy Pasta Bake!
Creamy Brie and Gouda Mac and Cheese (No-Bake!)
Print Save RateIngredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni (16 oz usually = 1 box)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 to 1 ½ cup milk (skim, reduced-fat, whole, or unsweetened non-dairy)
- 8 ounces brie cheese
- 8 ounces gouda cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 scallion for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni al dente according to the directions on the box. It's best to cook in unsalted water to make sure your brie mac and cheese is not too salty. Transfer to a colander to strain and set aside.
- In the pot you cooked the macaroni in, add the butter and flour over low heat and whisk until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of milk and whisk until well combined.
- Cut the rind off the brie (it doesn't have to be perfect- some rind is more than okay!) and cut it into small cubes. Grate your gouda cheese.
- Add both cheeses, garlic powder, nutmeg, and pepper, and continue to stir over low heat until all the cheese is melted, and your sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni back to the pot with the sauce and stir to coat. Assess the consistency and add more milk if necessary.
- Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with scallions (optional). Enjoy!
Pro Tips
- To reheat, add about 2 tablespoons of milk per 1/2 cup serving and heat on the stove over low heat or covered in the microwave until heated thoroughly.
- For more mac and cheese, check out this Baked Pumpkin Mac and Cheese and Classic Indulgent Mac and Cheese.
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4 thoughts on “Creamy Brie & Gouda Mac and Cheese (No-Bake!)”
This is the 2nd time I have made this for the family, I am taking to Christmas Eve celebration tonight!
The perfect comfort food dish for a family gathering! I am SO glad you enjoyed, Sandy. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know 🙂
I’m a HUGE mac and cheese fan, and gouda is my favorite so I knew I had to make this recipe! It’s so creamy with the addition of brie, I never would’ve thought of that. I added scallions as suggested and it was perfect!
You are SPEAKING MY LANGUAGE, fellow mac and cheese superfan! I’m so glad you enjoyed!