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Roasted Garlic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Roasted Garlic Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - Sweet Mama's Kitchen

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  1. Ready to create some magic? Here’s how to make your roasted garlic macaroni and cheese.
Step 1: Roast the Garlic
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into your cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is coated.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
  1. 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
  1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chives before serving. Enjoy!

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.