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Macaroni and cheese is a dish that has secured its place in culinary history as one of the ultimate comfort foods. Its creamy, cheesy goodness evokes warm memories of family gatherings, late-night snacks, and cozy evenings spent at home. From its humble beginnings as a simple pasta dish, mac and cheese has evolved into a beloved staple in kitchens across the globe. In this article, we will introduce you to a remarkable variation: Heavenly Creamy Roasted Garlic Mac. This recipe elevates the classic dish by infusing it with the rich, savory flavor of roasted garlic and a blend of gourmet cheeses that will tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy Roasted Garlic Mac

Discover the ultimate comfort food twist with Heavenly Creamy Roasted Garlic Mac! This delightful recipe elevates classic macaroni and cheese by blending rich, savory roasted garlic with a gourmet mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyère. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish features a creamy sauce that envelops al dente pasta, finished with a crispy panko topping. Experience the joy of homemade cooking and create lasting memories around the dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound elbow macaroni

2 heads of garlic

4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups whole milk

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Roast the Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the two heads of garlic and slice off the top quarter to expose the cloves. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the exposed cloves, wrap the heads in aluminum foil, and roast in the oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and golden. Once done, allow them to cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted cloves into a bowl and mash lightly with a fork until creamy.

    Cook the Pasta: As the garlic is roasting, fill a large pot with water, season it generously with salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

      Create the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter along with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color, indicating the roux is cooked. Gradually add the whole milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, approximately 5-7 minutes.

        Incorporate Cheese and Garlic: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, along with the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and the mashed roasted garlic. It’s important to mix gently until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Introduce the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir well to ensure that every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the mixture appears too thick, you can loosen it with a splash of milk until reaching your desired creaminess.

            Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) once again if necessary. Transfer the creamy macaroni and cheese mixture into a generously greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

              Make the Panko Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure the breadcrumbs are evenly coated, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the mac and cheese.

                Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

                  Serve: Once baked, allow it to cool for a few minutes before garnishing with an abundant sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and savor the heavenly flavors of this creamy delight!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: For added charm, serve directly from the baking dish with a ladle, or for a more refined presentation, portion into individual ramekins and top each with a sprig of parsley. Enjoy!