Creamy Roasted Garlic Mac

Mac and cheese is undoubtedly one of the quintessential comfort foods that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many around the world. Its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and warm embrace make it a go-to dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or a gathering with family and friends. But what if we told you that there’s a way to elevate this beloved classic to new heights? Enter Creamy Roasted Garlic Mac & Cheese—a dish that takes the familiar comfort of traditional mac and cheese and infuses it with the rich, nutty flavors of roasted garlic. This unique twist transforms a classic into a gourmet experience.

Elevate your comfort food experience with Creamy Roasted Garlic Mac & Cheese, a gourmet twist on the classic dish. This recipe combines the rich flavors of roasted garlic with a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese for a creamy, decadent sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings, each bite bursts with savory goodness. With easy steps for roasting garlic, making a creamy sauce, and achieving a crunchy topping, this dish is sure to impress. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of mac and cheese reimagined!

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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).

- Carefully slice off the top of the garlic head to reveal the individual cloves. Drizzle the exposed cloves with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt.

- Wrap the garlic tightly in aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft, fragrant, and caramelized. Once cooked, allow to cool slightly before squeezing the soft garlic out of its skins. Set aside.

Cook the Macaroni:

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

Make the Cheese Sauce:

- In the same pot over medium heat, melt the butter until it is bubbling. Gradually whisk in the flour and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture takes on a light golden color.

- Slowly pour in the whole milk, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Cook the mixture for about 5-8 minutes, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.

- Stir in the mustard powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper, adjusting salt to taste.

- Remove the pot from heat and fold in the squeezed roasted garlic, shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese. Stir until all the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well-coated. Transfer the creamy macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Prepare the Topping:

- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, mixing well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture generously over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Bake:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Serve:

- Garnish your Creamy Roasted Garlic Mac & Cheese with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

- Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6