Main Course

Roasted Garlic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen

Name: Roasted Garlic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 3 heaping tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1/4 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 large garlic bulb, peeled and minced or crushed; 4 cups 4 / 1 litre whole milk, brought to room temperature; 2 cups 2 / 200g shredded mozzarella; 2 cups 2 / 200g sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup 1 / 80g grated Parmesan cheese; 14 / 14oz 400g elbow macaroni or any short pasta; 1/2 cup 1/2 / 30g seasoned; Breadcrumbs; Fresh chives, finely chopped; Salt and cracked black pepper

Susan Roberts August 12, 2025

Servings: 6 Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For many, it’s a warm bowl of macaroni and cheese. But add some roasted garlic into the mix, and you’ve got something truly special. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad or some garlicky bread, and you’re golden. Each bite warms you up from the inside out.

Roasted Garlic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

A good macaroni and cheese is like a hug on a plate. The kind of meal that wraps you in nostalgia while making your taste buds dance. I’ve taken a traditional recipe and given it a twist with roasted garlic that elevates the flavor from basic to extraordinary. Whether you’re preparing this for a gathering or just a cozy night in, it’s bound to make an impression.

Let’s dive deep into why this dish is not just another mac and cheese. Spoiler alert: you’ll want to stick around for the revelatory flavors and cooking tips.

Why Does This Recipe Work?

Understanding the ‘why’ behind a recipe can enhance your cooking experience. Here are four solid reasons this roasted garlic macaroni and cheese stands out.

1. The Roasted Garlic Boosts Flavor:

Roasting garlic transforms its sharpness into a sweet, creamy delight. Instead of the typical pungent flavor, roasted garlic infuses the dish with a rich undertone. It’s a game changer.

2. Creamy Cheese Blend for Ultimate Indulgence:

This recipe combines three types of cheese: mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan. Each plays a distinct role. Mozzarella delivers stretchiness, cheddar packs a punch, and Parmesan adds depth. Together, they create a creamy, cohesive sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

3. Easy to Customize:
This dish is like a blank canvas. Add your favorite ingredients. Spinach for color? Crispy bacon for indulgence? The choices are limitless.

4. Make-Ahead Friendly:
You can prepare this in advance and bake it just before serving. It fits beautifully into busy lives. Just whip it up, stick it in the fridge, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

How Does It Taste Like?

Imagine biting into a creamy, dreamy mac and cheese with a savory richness complemented by the sweetness of roasted garlic. The cheese sauce clings to perfectly cooked pasta, creating each bite a blend of texture and flavor.

You get that satisfying stretch from the cheese, the crunch from the breadcrumbs, and a hint of smokiness from the paprika. It’s a flavor explosion in your mouth.

What Sets This Recipe Apart from Other Roasted Garlic Macaroni and Cheese Variations?

What makes this version unique? It’s not just the roasted garlic; it’s about the balance. Many variations can get too heavy or overly cheesy. This one keeps the flavors harmonious. The combination of Dijon mustard and smoked paprika adds a nuanced depth. You’ll find this recipe encourages experimentation, which is its strongest suit. You’ll never feel stuck in a flavor rut.

The Ingredients

Let’s gather what you’ll need to whip up this dish. Take a look at this list; it’s simple yet effective.

3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened: For sautéing and creating a roux.
3 heaping tbsp all-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce.
1 tbsp Dijon mustard: A zesty touch.
1/4 tsp smoked paprika: To elevate the flavor.
1/2 tsp onion powder: A subtle herby note.
1 large garlic bulb, peeled and minced or crushed: The star of the show.
4 cups / 1 litre whole milk, brought to room temperature: For a creamy sauce.
2 cups / 200g shredded mozzarella: For stretchiness.
2 cups / 200g sharp cheddar cheese: For bold flavor.
1 cup / 80g grated Parmesan cheese: Use half for topping.
14oz / 400g elbow macaroni or any short pasta like cavatappi or penne: The vessel for your sauce.
1/2 cup / 30g seasoned breadcrumbs: To add crunch on top.
Fresh chives, finely chopped: For garnish.
Salt and cracked black pepper: To taste.

Instructions

Ready to create some magic? Here’s how to make your roasted garlic macaroni and cheese.

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the whole garlic bulb and slice off the top to expose the cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil. Bake for about 30-40 minutes until the cloves are soft and golden. Let it cool, then squeeze the roasted garlic out of the skins. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 3: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates the base for your cheese sauce.

Step 4: Add the Milk

Slowly whisk in the room temperature milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5–7 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate the Garlic and Cheeses

Once thickened, add the roasted garlic, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir before adding in the mozzarella, cheddar, and half of the Parmesan. Mix until the cheese melts and everything is beautifully combined.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Gently fold the cooked macaroni into your cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is coated.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and breadcrumbs on top. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chives before serving. Enjoy!

how to make Roasted Garlic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Notes

Here are some helpful tips to make your dish even better:

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Don’t Rush the Roux: Letting the flour cook for a few minutes in butter helps eliminate any raw taste.
Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix in Gruyere or Gouda for more flavor.
Make a Creamy Version: For extra creaminess, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
Freeze for Later: This dish freezes remarkably well. Portion it out for easy future meals.

Nutrition Information

This hearty dish packs a punch. A serving of roasted garlic macaroni and cheese contains approximately:

Please note that these values can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

How Do You Store This Roasted Garlic Macaroni and Cheese?

If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let the dish cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It lasts for about 3–5 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Sides for Roasted Garlic Macaroni and Cheese

Pairing your dish can enhance the experience. Here are some fantastic suggestions.

1. Garlic Bread:
Is there anything better? Crunchy, buttery, and just enough garlic flavor to complement your dish without overwhelming it.

2. Garden Salad:
Fresh greens with a tangy vinaigrette can lighten things up. Consider options like arugula, spinach, or mixed greens topped with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.

3. Steamed Broccoli:
A nutritious side that adds color and vitamins to your meal. Toss it with a sprinkle of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?

It’s always beneficial to know substitutes. Let’s go through a few:

1. Butter:
If you’re out of unsalted butter, ghee or olive oil can be a fine substitute. Both add distinct flavors and work well for sautéing.

2. Milk:
For a dairy-free version, you can use almond milk or oat milk. Both create good texture; just be careful with sweetness levels.

3. Cheese Variations:
If you don’t have mozzarella or cheddar, try pepper jack for a bit of spice or a cream cheese blend for smoothness.

4. Garlic Bulb:
In a pinch, garlic powder can suffice, though the depth of roasted garlic may be lost. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for each bulb.

Conclusion

Roasted garlic macaroni and cheese is more than just a side dish; it’s a celebration of comfort. Every step in making this meal presents opportunities for creativity and fun. From the magical transformation of raw garlic to roasted perfection, to the gooey cheese sauce that clings lovingly to the pasta, this recipe invites you to indulge.

So now that you have the scoop, why not roll up your sleeves and give it a try? It’s time to nourish the body and soul with a serving of this cheesy wonder. Whether alone or with friends, it will undoubtedly warm your heart. Enjoy!

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Print Recipe

Roasted Garlic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – Sweet Mama’s Kitchen

Author: Susan Roberts Cuisine: American Courses: Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 80 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 220

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Let’s dive deep into why this dish is not just another mac and cheese. Spoiler alert: you’ll want to stick around for the revelatory flavors and cooking tips.