Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? Because I’m about to show you how to turn your regular mac and cheese into a LEGENDARY, flavor-packed, over-the-top experience! This Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping is an absolute EXPLOSION of taste that’s gonna have your taste buds dancing with pure joy. Get ready to have your mind blown, my friends – this recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food obsession!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping
This dish takes everything you love about classic mac and cheese and kicks it up to the next level with a killer garlic herb sauce, a crazy creamy texture, and a crunchy, golden brown topping that will make your tastebuds do a happy dance. The combination of flavors and textures is absolutely INSANE – and I’m not even sorry about it! This recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a bold, badass twist. Prepare to have your world rocked, because this Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping is about to become your new go-to for epic family dinners, cozy movie nights, or any time you need a flavor explosion in your life.
Ingredients
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping, but trust me, the end result is anything but basic. We’re talking elbow macaroni, a rich and creamy garlic herb sauce, shredded cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping that’s gonna take this dish to the next level.
- 8 oz – Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 4 cloves – Minced garlic
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups – Whole milk
- 8 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp – Chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp – Chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp – Chopped fresh oregano
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp – Melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Pasta Shape: Try using different types of pasta like penne, shells, or farfalle for a fun twist.
- Cheese Blend: Swap in Gruyère, fontina, or gouda for an extra creamy and melty mac and cheese.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping
Alright, let’s get this party started! We’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise, y’all.
Step 1: Prep Work
Preheat your oven to 375°F and get ready to work some magic. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, then gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens up, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese, Parmesan, parsley, thyme, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Add the cooked macaroni to the creamy garlic herb sauce and stir to combine. Transfer the mac and cheese to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the shredded cheddar cheese. In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the crispy topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown and irresistibly crunchy. Let it cool for a few minutes, then get ready to DEVOUR this epic dish!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Crispy Topping: For an even crunchier topping, try broiling the mac and cheese for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Add-Ins: Stir in some crispy bacon, roasted veggies, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little extra something-something.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different types of melty cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or gouda for an over-the-top creamy texture.
- Flavor Boosters: Try adding a dash of nutmeg, a squeeze of lemon, or even some spicy paprika to take this Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese to the next level.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or crusty garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food feast.
Storage: Leftover Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for longer-term storage, just be sure to reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to dig in again.
Reheat: For best results, reheat individual portions of leftover mac and cheese in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. You can also zap it in the microwave, but keep an eye on it to prevent the topping from getting soggy.
Make-Ahead: You can absolutely assemble this Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you’re ready to dig in.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in this Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping without any guilt, because this dish is packed with important nutrients like protein, calcium, and vitamins. Of course, it’s also a delicious source of comfort and joy, which in my opinion is the most important nutritional value of all!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbs: 49 g
- Fat: 37 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cheese is best for this mac and cheese recipe?
A blend of cheddar and Parmesan is a classic choice, but you can also experiment with other melty cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or gouda.
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I get the topping extra crispy?
Make sure to use fresh panko breadcrumbs and mix them with melted butter before sprinkling them over the top. You can also broil the mac and cheese for a minute or two at the end to really make that topping EPIC.
Can I add any extra ingredients to this recipe?
The great thing about this Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese is that it’s the ultimate blank canvas! Feel free to get creative and stir in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, roasted veggies, or even some shredded rotisserie chicken.
How do I reheat leftover mac and cheese?
For best results, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but keep an eye on it to prevent the topping from getting soggy.
Try These Next
- Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac And Cheese With Crispy Sage Topping
- Creamy Garlic Mac And Cheese With Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac And Cheese With Crispy Bacon Crumble
Creamy Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🧀 MAC ATTACK
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Garlic Herb Mac and Cheese topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. Perfect for a cozy night in!
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. 3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until smooth.
4. 4. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens.
5. 5. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and smooth.
6. 6. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
7. 7. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
8. 8. In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese.
9. 9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
10. 10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables to the mac and cheese before baking.
You can substitute different cheeses based on your preference.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy, garlic, herb, crispy topping