Garlic Parmesan Mac And Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound dry weight pasta
500 grams
- 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
- 2/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup butter
- 4 cloves garlic
crushed
- 1/4 cup flour
all purpose or plain
- 4 1/2 cups milk
divided, I used skim, but 2% or full fat are fine to use
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
or corn flour
- salt and pepper
to season
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
or a vegetable stock powder
- 3/4 cup low fat grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
divided
- 6 ounces low fat mozzarella cheese
sliced
Directions
- 1
Boil pasta in salted water, according to packet instructions, until JUST al dente (do not over-boil)! Drain and rinse well with cold water. Set aside.
- 2
Preheat oven grill or broiler to 190°C | 375°F.
- 3
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large, oven proof pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the Panko breadcrumbs; stir to coat and cook until golden browned. Transfer to a bowl; set aside.
- 4
Melt the 1/4 cup of butter in the same pan / skillet. Add the garlic and sauté until just fragrant (about 1 minute). Whisk in the flour; continue to cook while whisking (or stirring) for at least 2 minutes. Reduce heat down to low; gradually whisk in 4 cups of the milk (about 1/4 cup at a time), whisking between each addition to combine. Bring to a boil until beginning to thicken.
- 5
In a separate jug, combine the cornstarch and remaining 1/2 cup milk; whisk until lump free and stir through the white sauce to thicken completely. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the bouillon powder.
- 6
Remove from heat and add in the cheddar, 3/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and the mozzarella slices. Stir through until all of the cheese has melted. Toss the pasta through the sauce until completely coated.
- 7
Top with the Panko and the remaining parmesan cheese. Broil (or grill) in oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until bubbling.
- 8
Allow to cool down slightly before serving.
Garlic Parmesan Mac And Cheese
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About this Recipe
Tired of bland, one-note macaroni and cheese? This Garlic Parmesan Mac And Cheese recipe elevates a timeless comfort food, bringing you restaurant-quality flavor with an easy-to-follow approach. It’s the perfect dish for satisfying those deep cravings for something truly indulgent and savory.
The magic of this mac and cheese comes from its thoughtfully balanced blend of three cheeses: sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, and melty mozzarella, all enveloped in a velvety, garlic-infused sauce. Crushed fresh garlic provides an aromatic depth that permeates every bite, while a golden, buttery Panko breadcrumb topping adds an irresistible crunch, transforming a simple dish into something truly special.
Prepare yourself for a bowl of pure comfort. Each forkful delivers a rich, creamy sauce generously flavored with aromatic crushed garlic, coating tender pasta. The combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella creates a complex, savory depth that is both familiar and exciting. The use of low-fat milk and cheeses ensures a luxurious texture without being overly heavy, making it surprisingly balanced. And that buttery Panko topping? It’s the perfect textural counterpoint, adding a satisfying crispness to every bite.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shape; elbow, macaroni, or cellentani all work beautifully to cradle the creamy sauce. While the recipe suggests skim milk, 2% or whole milk will also yield a delicious, creamy result, allowing you to tailor it to your preference. For a vegetarian option, simply swap the chicken bouillon powder for a vegetable stock powder, maintaining all the savory depth without the meat base.
This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, cozy weeknights, or any occasion where you’re craving a satisfying, flavorful meal that truly delivers on comfort and taste.