I have always believed that comfort food has a unique way of making any day brighter, and nothing embodies that feeling quite like a creamy, cheesy pasta. My Brie Mac and Cheese recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. The idea first came to me on a quiet evening when I wanted to transform a classic mac and cheese into something rich, luxurious, yet still simple enough for any home cook. The moment I melted that creamy brie into the sauce and combined it with perfectly cooked pasta, I knew I had stumbled upon a recipe worth sharing.
You will love this recipe because it combines the indulgent creaminess of brie with the familiar comfort of macaroni. The cheese creates a velvety sauce that clings to each noodle, delivering a flavor that is both rich and satisfying without being overwhelming. Every bite melts in your mouth, leaving a delightful balance of texture and taste. What makes this dish even more special is how effortlessly it elevates a humble ingredient into a centerpiece worthy of any dinner table.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a main dish, a side for a cozy dinner, or even a decadent addition to a potluck or family gathering. It also lends itself beautifully to customization. Adding vegetables like spinach or roasted peppers, or incorporating protein such as turkey bacon or chicken ham, can turn it into a complete meal. Its adaptability makes it a reliable choice whether you are cooking for two or a crowd.
Another reason to love this dish is its affordability. Despite the luxurious feel of brie, the other ingredients are pantry staples: pasta, milk, butter, flour, and seasoning. This combination allows you to create a gourmet-tasting meal without straining your budget.
Ingredients for this recipe include:
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2 cups elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk
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1 cup shredded brie cheese
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Optional: diced turkey bacon or chicken ham for extra flavor
This Brie Mac and Cheese recipe is comfort food reinvented, combining simplicity, elegance, and warmth in every bite. Its creamy texture, versatile nature, and accessible ingredients make it a go-to favorite in any kitchen.
How to Prepare This Recipe
Creating the perfect Brie Mac and Cheese begins with selecting quality ingredients and preparing them carefully. The steps are simple, but attention to detail ensures the creamy, cheesy texture that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
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Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta and cook until just al dente, usually 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure not to overcook, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly when baked with the cheese sauce.
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Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Continue whisking for 1–2 minutes until the mixture forms a smooth roux and loses the raw flour taste. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Heat the mixture until it begins to thicken, about 5 minutes, while stirring frequently.
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Incorporate the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of shredded brie cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely into the sauce, forming a creamy, velvety texture. Add 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The mustard enhances the flavor without overpowering the delicate brie.
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Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, fold in diced turkey bacon or chicken ham to add savory depth. You can also incorporate vegetables such as sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every piece is coated evenly. Make sure the sauce clings to the pasta, creating that luxurious creamy texture characteristic of this dish.
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Bake (Optional for Extra Creaminess): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a lightly greased baking dish. For a golden crust, sprinkle an additional 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the top is lightly browned and bubbly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly while remaining creamy. Serve warm as a main dish or a comforting side.
Quick and Easy Tips
This recipe is surprisingly quick for the level of richness it delivers. While traditional mac and cheese may require longer cooking times, this version relies on a simple stovetop sauce that blends in minutes. Using pre-shredded brie can save time, but freshly sliced brie ensures maximum creaminess.
Customizable Options
Brie Mac and Cheese is highly adaptable. For a more indulgent dish, consider adding a breadcrumb topping mixed with melted butter before baking. For lighter options, substitute part of the milk with unsweetened cream or use whole-grain pasta. Vegetables, herbs, or additional cheeses can be added to suit your preferences, making this recipe ideal for any occasion.
Popular with Many People
This dish appeals to both adults and children, thanks to its creamy texture and rich flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or as a comforting solo meal. Its balance of cheesy richness, subtle seasoning, and optional savory additions like turkey bacon or chicken ham make it a versatile crowd-pleaser.
By following these steps carefully and using quality ingredients, you can achieve Brie Mac and Cheese that is smooth, flavorful, and utterly comforting in every bite. With a few simple variations, this recipe becomes a flexible favorite suitable for any season or occasion.
Print
Brie Mac and Cheese: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite
Brie Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy twist on the classic comfort food. By combining smooth brie cheese with perfectly cooked pasta, this dish delivers a luxurious texture and full flavor. It’s versatile, affordable, and perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights at home.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded brie cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: diced turkey bacon or chicken ham
- Optional: vegetables such as spinach or roasted peppers
Instructions
- Preheat a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta until al dente, 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, whisking for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk while whisking constantly. Cook until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, then add brie and Parmesan cheese. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
- Mix in mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in optional turkey bacon, chicken ham, or vegetables, if desired.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is coated evenly.
- Optional: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer mixture to a greased dish, sprinkle additional Parmesan, and bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Avoid overheating the cheese to prevent separation.
Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
Use freshly grated cheese for optimal creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely. While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use penne, rotini, or shells. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it reaches al dente.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prepare the cheese sauce and pasta separately, then combine and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and warm.
Q: How can I make this dish creamier?
A: Using full-fat milk or adding an extra 1/4 cup of brie will enhance creaminess. Stirring gently while combining pasta and sauce ensures even coating.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Yes. Simply omit the turkey bacon or chicken ham and add extra vegetables like roasted peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for flavor and texture.
Q: Can I freeze Brie Mac and Cheese?
A: Freezing is possible, but best before baking. Store in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake until heated through.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from separating?
A: Cook over low to medium heat, add cheese gradually, and avoid overheating. Stir continuously to maintain a smooth sauce.