25 Gouda Cheese Recipes That Go Beyond A Cheese Board

From skillet mac and cheese to crunchy, golden pork cutlets, these Gouda cheese recipes bring creamy richness to snacks, mains and appetizers.

These Gouda cheese recipes celebrate everything this smooth, buttery cheese can do. Whether it’s folded into sauces, crisped up on casseroles or adding smoky depth to the cheese recipes we crave the most, there’s no such thing as too much Gouda. It works well in veggie melts, cheesy breads and puff pastry for a savory bite.

This collection features easy Gouda recipes and gourmet favorites, highlighting the cheese’s creamy texture, mild flavor and its ability to pair with bold ingredients. These dishes go beyond the cheese board, showing up in weeknight dinners, party-ready bites and even in some of our cheesiest recipes ever. In potato bread, it melts into the dough and crisps along the crust. Stirred into mashed potatoes, it adds a silky finish. It pulls everything together in hearty fillings, like spinach and Gouda-stuffed pork chops or butternut pot stickers, and bubbles into a golden crust in skillet bacon cornbread. Each dish was chosen for its cheesiness and how it lets Gouda shine as the star.

To get the best melt, shred Gouda while it’s cold; it holds its shape and blends more smoothly. The type you choose makes a difference, too: smoked Gouda brings rich, nutty flavor, while younger varieties stay mild and creamy. These recipes pair well with crisp apples, toasted bread or a glass of sparkling wine. Gouda brings comforting, melty richness to every dish from easy cheese appetizers, casseroles and sliced charcuterie boards.

1/25

Apple-Gouda Pigs in a Blanket

Total Time:30 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For New Year’s, I used to make pigs in a blanket with beef and cheddar. But now I like apple and Gouda for an even better flavor celebration. —Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 82 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
2/25

Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Rev up classic mac and cheese with this ultra-comforting smoked gouda version. It’s creamy, cheesy and irresistibly smoky. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 240 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 404mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
3/25

Gouda and Roasted Potato Bread

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 25 min
Servings:1 loaf (16 pieces)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Our family tried roasted potato bread at a bakery on a road trip, and I came up with my own recipe when we realized we lived much too far away to have it regularly. It makes for a really amazing roast beef sandwich and also goes well with soups. —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 101 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 253mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
4/25

Mushroom and Smoked Gouda Puff

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: It's so very easy, but it looks and tastes gourmet. Dinner party guests will be impressed with this perfect starter course. Serve with a spicy mustard for dipping if desired. —Christina Singer, Bellefontaine, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 210 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
5/25

Smoked Gouda Spinach Pizza

Total Time:30 min
Servings:10 pieces
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A refrigerated pizza crust and store-bought Alfredo sauce make this pizza super easy. My daughter created it as an appetizer, but we love it for a main course. —Marie Hattrup, Sonoma, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 288 calories, 14g fat (8g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 706mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein.
6/25

Gougeres

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:about 3 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I brought the recipe for these gougeres back from a trip to Nice, France. The original called for Gruyere cheese, but I found that Gouda is a more budget-friendly alternative. These puffs are a wonderful bite-sized treat. If you have leftovers, float a few of these gems on a bowl of soup in place of croutons. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 52 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 71mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
7/25

Gouda Turkey Club

Total Time:15 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: With this recipe, two can enjoy the taste of something new and elegant in minutes. All you need to add is the ambiance for a bistro meal at home. —Karen Harris, Littleton, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 464 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 6g fiber), 27g protein.
8/25

Smoked Gouda & Roast Beef Pinwheels

Total Time:35 min
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Our local deli makes terrific roast beef sandwiches. This pinwheel appetizer re-creates the taste. My family says the pinwheels have so many flavors for such a little treat. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 71 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 160mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
9/25

Lobster Mac and Cheese

Total Time:40 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Any time I cook with a cast-iron skillet I think of my Grammy, and this lobster mac and cheese is no exception. If you’re like me, then there’s no such thing as too much cheese, so add in as much as you’d like. —Erin Isaac, Columbus, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 672 calories, 39g fat (24g saturated fat), 199mg cholesterol, 897mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
10/25

Holiday Cranberry-Walnut Salad

Total Time:30 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A warm salad is a nice change of pace at holiday dinners. Port wine infuses cranberries with flavor, while balsamic vinegar adds a bit of tang to the dressing.—Becky Walch, Manteca, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 162 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 205mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
11/25

Smoked Pimiento Cheese Crostini

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Pimiento cheese has long been a favorite in our family, so these bite-sized appetizers are a treat! I add Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce to give them a little kick. Caramelized onions create another layer of flavor. You can make the cheese and onions three to five days in advance; they store well. If you need to save time, you can use premade jalapeno pimiento cheese. —Caitlyn Bunch, Trenton, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer: 87 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 4g protein.
12/25

Bacon Mac ‘N Cheese Cornbread Skillet

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My cast-iron skillet is a workhorse in my kitchen. I just love it for cooking and baking. And this cast-iron mac and cheese recipe can be served as a main dish or as a smaller-portion side. —Lisa Keys, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 497 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 203mg cholesterol, 978mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 23g protein.
13/25

Spinach & Gouda Stuffed Pork Cutlets

Total Time:30 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This started as a restaurant copycat dish at home. Cheese just oozes out of the center, and mustard lends a lot of flavor. —Joan Oakland, Troy, Montanta
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed cutlet: 299 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 898mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 30g protein.
14/25

White Lasagna

Total Time:1 hour 30 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My mom made this lasagna for special occasions, such as birthdays. When she passed, I inherited her cookbooks—tucked inside one of them, I found this recipe folded into a letter she wrote to me while I was stationed overseas. It's a hearty, rich dish that reminds me of home. —Janet Wing, Minot, North Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 462 calories, 30g fat (16g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 787mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein.
15/25

Prosciutto-Pesto Breakfast Strata

Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I'd never tried prosciutto before this recipe, and it instantly made me a big-time fan! The layers of flavor in this dish are brilliant, making it well worth the time and a must for your recipe box. —Vicki Anderson, Farmington, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 440 calories, 26g fat (10g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 1215mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 22g protein.
16/25

Turkey, Gouda & Apple Tea Sandwiches

Total Time:25 min
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These fun mini sandwiches are a tasty addition to any fall function. The cranberry mayo lends a unique flavor twist, and the apples add crunch. These sammies will be the life of the party! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 tea sandwich: 59 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 150mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
17/25

Gouda Mixed Potato Mash

Total Time:35 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Everything’s better with cheese, right? This cheesy two-potato mash is no exception. If you cube the cheese, you’ll discover delicious pockets of melted cheese throughout the dish. —Shelby Goddard, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 178 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 189mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
18/25

Smoked Gouda Veggie Melt

Total Time:25 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: After a long day of teaching, I like to make these veggie-packed grilled-cheese sandwiches. My 8-year-old daughter is a big fan, too. —Charlie Herzog, West Brookfield, Vermont
Nutrition Facts: 2 open-faced sandwiches: 523 calories, 37g fat (9g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 695mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
19/25

Pumpkin Bisque

Total Time:55 min
Servings:9 (2-1/4 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love the smell of this rich, cheesy soup as it bubbles on the stove. The Gouda cheese adds a delightful smokiness that just says autumn to me.—Kerry Dingwall, Wilmington, North Carolina
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 214 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 970mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 7g protein.
20/25

Macaroni Pie

Total Time:1 hour 20 min
Servings:32
Test Kitchen Approved
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 420 calories, 22g fat (13g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 39g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
21/25

Golden Gouda Mushroom Soup

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Here’s a fantastic first course for guests. Rich, creamy and cheesy, it will warm you from the inside out and stir your appetite for what’s to come. —Charlotte Rogers, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 412 calories, 33g fat (21g saturated fat), 114mg cholesterol, 1082mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
22/25

Turkey Cranberry Sandwich

Total Time:20 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family thinks this sandwich is pure heaven thanks to the cranberry-pecan mayo. It's so good that they ask me to make it all year long. —Judy Wilson, Sun City West, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 wedge: 707 calories, 41g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 1153mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein.
23/25

Sunday Best Stuffed Pork Chops

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We’re farmers and ranchers who love to cook in a Dutch oven. Dish up these chops from the oven, and pass the salad, potatoes and steamed broccoli. —Lorraine Smith, Carpenter, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed pork chop with 3 tablespoons sauce: 532 calories, 30g fat (11g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 973mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 40g protein.
24/25

Mediterranean Tomato Bites

Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:32 pastries
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My friend Mary served these lovely appetizers at a summer gathering several years ago, and I adapted it a bit to my taste. It's a great August recipe when tomatoes and herbs are at their freshest! —Susan Wilson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 pastry: 106 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
25/25

Butternut-Gouda Pot Stickers

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour
Servings:about 4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My family can't get enough butternut squash. I had some left over, so I used pot sticker wrappers and chopped veggies to create these fun little appetizers. —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts: 1 pot sticker: 55 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 84mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

Gouda Cheese Recipes FAQ

What dishes go well with Gouda cheese?

Gouda cheese pairs well with comfort food classics like creamy pasta, grilled cheese sandwiches, roasted vegetables and breakfast casseroles. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor complements caramelized onions, mushrooms and smoky meats like bacon or ham. For something different, stir it into mashed potatoes, bake it into cornbread or stuff it into twice-baked potatoes. Gouda also melts beautifully over roasted Brussels sprouts or tucked inside chicken breasts. For a savory finish, aged Gouda can be shaved over salads or blended into soups for a rich, nutty flavor.

Can I substitute smoked Gouda in recipes?

Yes, smoked Gouda can be used instead of regular Gouda in most recipes, including grilled cheese, mac and cheese, potato casseroles and burgers. It adds a smoky flavor to comfort foods and oven-baked dishes. To balance its intensity, pair it with neutral ingredients like pasta, rice or bread, or combine it with milder cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. If a recipe calls for an aged or sharp cheese, smoked Gouda can add a flavorful twist.

What’s the best way to melt Gouda cheese?

To melt Gouda cheese evenly, shred it while cold and warm it slowly over low heat, either on the stovetop or in the oven. Like other best melting cheeses, younger Gouda turns smooth and creamy, while aged versions are firmer and better for grating or finishing dishes. To prevent clumping, stir it into a bechamel-style sauce or add a splash of milk or cream. It also melts well in toasted sandwiches, baked casseroles and pasta bakes. Avoid high direct heat, which can cause the cheese to separate and become greasy.