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baked garlic mac and cheese - featured image

Baked Garlic Mac And Cheese: Perfect Crispy & Creamy

  • Author: caroline_hicks
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A gourmet twist on classic comfort food, this baked mac and cheese features a silky sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese sauce infused with sweet, roasted garlic, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) Elbow Macaroni
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 1 whole head of garlic (for roasting)
  • Olive oil (for roasting garlic)
  • 1/2 cup (115g) Unsalted Butter
  • 1/2 cup (60g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 3 cups (720ml) Whole Milk
  • 2 cups (200g) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100g) Gruyère Cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (80g) Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons Melted Butter (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Parmesan (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 30-40 minutes until soft. Cool, squeeze out cloves, and mash into a paste.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until light blonde.
  4. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (5-7 minutes).
  5. Remove pan from heat. Stir in mashed roasted garlic, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  6. Gradually add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Do not boil.
  7. Toss drained pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and extra Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
  10. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

Shred your own cheese to ensure smooth melting. Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving for cleaner scoops. For a gluten-free version, use GF pasta and breadcrumbs.

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 650
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 800
  • Fat: 35
  • Saturated Fat: 20
  • Carbohydrates: 55
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, garlic mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, crispy topping, roasted garlic, family dinner

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Find it online: https://eatlure.com/baked-garlic-mac-and-cheese-perfect-crispy-and-creamy/