Description
This creamy and indulgent Boursin Mac and Cheese features the unique flavor of garlic and herb Boursin cheese blended with sharp white cheddar and a rich cream sauce. Toasted breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch topping this comforting pasta dish, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner that serves four in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz (227 g) macaroni or similarly shaped pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 1 round Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor preferred)
- 1 packed cup (approximately 4 oz / 113 g) freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup (60 – 120 ml) milk
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping
- 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Roux: In the same pot or a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons (16 g) of flour continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and lump-free.
- Add Cream: Slowly pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce turns silky and smooth.
- Incorporate Cheese: Add the whole round of Boursin cheese, the shredded white cheddar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the sauce. Stir continuously until all cheeses melt fully into a creamy sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the cheese sauce is too thick, gradually add milk between 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 – 120 ml) to reach the desired creaminess. Stir gently to combine.
- Combine Sauce and Pasta: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and gently stir to coat each pasta piece evenly.
- Toast Breadcrumbs: In a separate pan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup (100 g) of breadcrumbs and toast them until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Serve: Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the creamy texture with a crunchy topping.
Notes
- Use garlic and herb flavored Boursin for the most authentic taste, but plain Boursin can be substituted.
- The breadcrumb topping adds a delicious crunch—don’t skip toasting them in butter for best flavor.
- Adjust milk quantity carefully to get your preferred sauce thickness; the sauce thickens when combined with pasta.
- For extra flavor, consider stirring in a pinch of nutmeg or ground black pepper into the sauce.
- Serve immediately as the sauce is creamiest fresh; leftovers can be reheated gently with a splash of milk.
