Description
This Brie Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy Brie cheese with classic macaroni pasta for the ultimate comfort food. Featuring a smooth, cheesy sauce enriched with garlic and onion powder and finished with Parmesan and optional herbs, this dish delivers rich flavor and velvety texture. Easily prepared on the stovetop with an optional baked finish for a golden crust, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup Brie cheese, rind removed and chopped
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley or chives
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and lightly golden, forming a roux.
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, and cook for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to evenly season the sauce. Mix thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the chopped Brie cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the Brie has fully melted into the sauce. Then, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir well to ensure all pasta is coated with the creamy Brie sauce.
- Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the richness and add a slightly nutty flavor to the dish.
- Transfer to Baking Dish (Optional): For a baked variation, transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bake (Optional): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the mac and cheese for 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish: Before serving, optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh herbal notes.
Notes
- You can use either whole milk or 2% milk based on your preference for creaminess and fat content.
- Removing the rind from the Brie before adding it ensures a smoother sauce without any bitter or tough texture.
- The baking step is optional but adds a nice golden crust and extra flavor dimension.
- For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the roux.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Brie Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta recipe, baked mac and cheese, Brie cheese recipe
