Description
This Brie Mac and Cheese recipe delivers the ultimate comfort food experience with its rich, creamy sauce made from Brie, sharp white cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Combining tender elbow macaroni with a luscious cheese sauce, optionally topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, this dish offers a gourmet twist on classic mac and cheese perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 ounces Brie cheese (rind removed and cut into cubes)
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden, forming a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add Cheeses: Lower the heat, add Brie cubes, shredded sharp white cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses to the sauce. Stir continuously until all cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Prepare for Baking (Optional): If using a breadcrumb topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake (Optional): Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a touch of freshness and color.
Notes
- Use triple cream Brie for an extra rich and indulgent texture.
- Skip the baking step for a quicker stovetop mac and cheese option.
- Enhance the dish by adding cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach.
