Brie Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Brie Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on the classic favorite. With rich Brie cheese melting into a smooth sauce, this dish offers a luxurious flavor that’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a cozy meal or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 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
• Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook until slightly thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, add the chopped Brie cheese, and stir until melted. Remove from heat.
6. Step 6: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until thoroughly combined.
7. Step 7: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
8. Step 8 (optional): Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for a baked version.
9. Step 9 (optional): Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier sauce, use whole milk or add a splash of heavy cream.
• Feel free to add cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• If Brie rind concerns you, remove it completely before adding the cheese.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Brie?

Yes, you can substitute Brie with creamy cheeses like Camembert or triple-cream cheeses for a similar texture and flavor profile. Combining Brie with sharper cheeses like cheddar also works well.

Is it necessary to bake the mac and cheese?

No, baking is optional. You can enjoy the mac and cheese immediately after combining the pasta and sauce. Baking adds a golden crust and deeper flavor but is not required.

Brie Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 134 reviews

Brie Mac and Cheese is a creamy and indulgent twist on the classic comfort food, featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich cheese sauce made with smooth Brie and Parmesan. This recipe offers the option to bake the dish for a bubbly, golden crust, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop with Optional Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Optional Garnish

• Chopped parsley or chives

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. 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 is bubbly and starting to turn golden, which will help eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly to a creamy consistency.
4. Season the Sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse the sauce with savory flavor. Mix thoroughly to combine all the spices evenly.
5. Incorporate the Cheese: Lower the heat to low and add the chopped Brie cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until the Brie melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Remove the saucepan from the heat to prevent the cheese from overheating or curdling.
6. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat each piece of pasta evenly with the rich Brie cheese sauce.
7. Add Parmesan: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the depth of flavor and add a subtle sharpness to the dish.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish (Optional): If you prefer a baked finish, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and transfer the mac and cheese mixture into it, spreading evenly.
9. Bake (Optional): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, adding a delightful crust to the dish.
10. Garnish: Remove from the oven and, if desired, sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor before serving.

Notes

• Use whole or 2% milk for the creamiest sauce; skim milk may result in a thinner sauce.
• Removing the rind from the Brie ensures a smoother sauce, but for extra flavor, you can leave small amounts if desired.
• If not baking, serve immediately after combining the pasta with the cheese sauce to enjoy the creamy texture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Keywords: Brie mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheese sauce recipe, baked mac and cheese