Garlic Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese

May 14, 2018 Jordan Uncategorized 20

Garlic Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese

It is my humble opinion that one can never have too much garlic in a recipe. My husband and I both adore garlic in pastas and sauces, on bread, and anywhere else we can reasonably work it in. I know garlic is not for everyone, but it definitely is a mutual preference that we have never quibbled over. That’s why I decided to spice up a family favorite (because even favorites get boring if overused) and make Garlic Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese!

Macaroni and cheese is one of my favorite classic dishes to play around with. I shared my basic mac and cheese recipe at one point, and then later came back with a Bacon & Cauliflower Macaroni that I love! I even have a recipe for mac and cheese’s distant cousin Spaghetti Macaroni! But this Garlic Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese is for sure my favorite.

You guys…this stuff is so, so good. I can barely control myself when a pan of this creamy, garlicky, crispy-panko topped mac and cheese comes out of the oven. The only way to get me to stop eating it is for someone to tell me it’s time for dessert.

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Garlic Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese

5 from 1 vote
Garlic Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese
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Garlic Parmesan Macaroni and Cheese
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Keyword: cheese, macaroni
Ingredients
  • 2 cups macaroni noodles
  • 1 cup panko
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded parmesan
Instructions

  1. Lightly grease an 11x7 baking dish with oil and set aside. Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil and add noodles. While the noodles cook, prepare the cheese sauce and panko topping.

  2. For the panko topping: combine panko, garlic powder, salt, parsley, and olive oil in a small bowl until all the panko bits are moist. Set aside.

  3. For the cheese sauce: melt butter in a small sauce pan over medium heat while you mince the garlic. Add garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and soft. Whisk in flour and cook for an additional minute, before gradually whisking in milk. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, until sauce has thickened slightly and then add the salt, pepper, and cheeses. Stir over the medium heat until cheese has melted, about 2 or 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

  4. Drain cooked noodles and return to their pot. Add in the cheese sauce and stir until completely combined. Transfer macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread panko topping evenly across. Broil for 1-2 minutes, until lightly browned. Watch it carefully! It only takes a few seconds to go from brown to burnt. Remove from oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Do you like garlic? What is your favorite way to mix up a classic recipe?

20 Comments

  6. This looks so good. I think people often steer clear of strong flavours with kids but little ones in particular seem to really like them. I’ve never heard of Panko – what is that? (I’m in the UK so hopefully not being too dim by asking)

    • One of my little ones likes stronger flavors and one doesn’t, so I think it depends on the kid. Panko is a super fine breadcrumb that you can buy in the baking section or sometimes where the packaged stuffing is, at least here in the US. I don’t know about availability in the UK! I hope you can find it though, because it’s so nice as a topping or to mix into meatballs. Let me know if you’re able to find it/try it!

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