Description

A rich, creamy, and zesty baked mac and cheese featuring roasted garlic, sharp cheddar, and a hint of lemon zest for brightness. This five-ingredient wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 whole head garlic
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Olive oil (for roasting garlic)
Melted butter (for tossing breadcrumbs)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cut the top off the garlic head to expose cloves. Drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast for 40 minutes until soft and golden.
While garlic roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions but reduce time by one minute for al dente texture. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden to make a roux.
Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking vigorously. Continue whisking until sauce thickens slightly (3-4 minutes).
Remove pan from heat. Squeeze roasted garlic cloves from skins and mash into the sauce until incorporated.
Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring gently until melted and smooth.
Stir in lemon zest and smoked paprika. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce in a large bowl, tossing to coat evenly.
Pour mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until top is golden brown and sauce is bubbling.
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese to ensure smooth melting; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce gritty. Ensure pasta is undercooked slightly as it will continue cooking in the oven. Roasting the garlic mellows the flavor and adds sweetness. For a lighter option, half-and-half can be substituted for heavy cream, though the texture will be less luxurious.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 800
Fat: 35
Saturated Fat: 20
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 3
Protein: 25

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, garlic mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meals, cheesy pasta, roasted garlic