Creamy Roasted Garlic Mac

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the warm embrace of mac and cheese. This beloved staple has graced tables across the globe, from casual family dinners to gourmet restaurant menus. However, in our recipe for Creamy Roasted Garlic Mac & Cheese, we take this classic dish to new heights. By infusing it with the rich, aromatic essence of roasted garlic and a carefully curated blend of gourmet cheeses, we create a mac and cheese experience that is both indulgent and sophisticated.

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with our Creamy Roasted Garlic Mac & Cheese! This luxurious twist on a beloved classic elevates your dining with the rich flavors of roasted garlic and a perfect blend of gourmet cheeses like sharp cheddar and Gruyère. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this recipe guides you through selecting the right pasta, mastering the creamy cheese sauce, and adding a crunchy topping. Gather around the table and savor every delicious bite of this indulgent dish!

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Ingredients

For the roasted garlic:

1 head of garlic

1 tablespoon olive oil

Pinch of salt

For the macaroni and cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon mustard powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For topping:

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Roast the Garlic:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

- Slice the top off the head of garlic to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

- Wrap the garlic in aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the cloves are soft and caramelized. Set aside to cool.

Cook the Macaroni:

- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until golden.

- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-8 minutes.

- Add the mustard powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste, stirring well.

- Remove from heat and stir in the roasted garlic (squeezed out of its skins), sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese until melted and creamy.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

- Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Prepare the Topping:

- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Bake:

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the mac and cheese for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

Serve:

- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm. Enjoy your Creamy Roasted Garlic Mac & Cheese!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

20 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings