Brie Mac and Cheese Recipe
Brie Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist, combining creamy Brie and sharp white cheddar for a luxuriously rich and velvety pasta dish that’s both indulgent and approachable. This recipe comes together easily on a busy weeknight, yet feels dressed up enough for a special dinner. The irresistible sauce hugs every noodle, delivering layers of silky, cheesy goodness in each bite. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself, impress a loved one, or simply jazz up classic mac and cheese, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Brie Mac and Cheese lets a handful of high-impact ingredients shine, each playing its part in building an unforgettable dish. From the buttery base to the luxurious blend of cheeses, freshness and quality transform this simple recipe into something spectacular.
- Elbow macaroni or shell pasta (8 oz): Choose your favorite shape; shells are perfect for catching extra pools of cheese sauce!
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Forms the rich foundation of your roux for a silken sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Slightly thickens the sauce, so it hugs the noodles beautifully.
- Whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Adds creaminess and subtle sweetness to the cheese sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): For that extra dose of decadence and smooth texture.
- Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into chunks (6 oz): The star of the show, creating a lush, ultra-creamy bite.
- Shredded sharp white cheddar (1 cup): Brings depth and just the right amount of tang to balance the Brie.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors—taste before adding more!
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Wakes up the mellow cheese flavors with subtle heat.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle savory punch that rounds out the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a final umami kick when sprinkled over the finished dish.
- Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish: A burst of fresh color and flavor to finish your Brie Mac and Cheese.
How to Make Brie Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your chosen pasta. Cook until al dente, following the package directions—usually about 7 to 8 minutes. It’s important not to overcook, since the noodles will soak up some sauce later. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside while you work on that dreamy cheese sauce.
Step 2: Build a Silky Roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until just foamy. Whisk in the flour and let this mixture bubble away for 1 to 2 minutes. This quick step removes any raw flour taste and forms that essential base for a thick and creamy sauce later on.
Step 3: Add Dairy for Creamy Goodness
Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Then add the heavy cream. Keep whisking for 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens ever so slightly. This is when you’ll start seeing that cozy, velvety texture come together.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the chunks of Brie and the shredded white cheddar. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then continue stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and your sauce is smooth and glossy. If you like an extra punch, now’s the moment to toss in a sprinkle of Parmesan, too. The aroma at this stage is seriously irresistible!
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta straight into the saucepan, gently folding until every noodle is lavishly coated in the cheese sauce. If you want a touch of golden finish, transfer the Brie Mac and Cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and a bit more Parmesan, then bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Either way, finish with a shower of fresh herbs just before serving.
How to Serve Brie Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A scatter of chopped chives or parsley on top of your Brie Mac and Cheese doesn’t just add color—it gives each bite a pop of freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. For even more flavor, try a dusting of cracked pepper or just a light sprinkle of extra Parmesan once plated.
Side Dishes
To balance out the creamy decadence, I love serving Brie Mac and Cheese with a crisp, tangy salad—think arugula tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple tomato salad. Roasted or steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli also make wonderfully light, snappy partners for this cheesy, dreamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this beloved dish up a notch by spooning it into mini ramekins for individual servings at dinner parties. Or, stuff leftover Brie Mac and Cheese into bell pepper halves before baking for a playful, veggie-forward spin. Cleared out Parmesan rinds? Use them as edible bowls for a show-stopping presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Brie Mac and Cheese left (and that’s a big if!), let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay creamy and delicious for up to three days—perfect for next-day lunches or lazy leftovers.
Freezing
You can freeze Brie Mac and Cheese for up to two months—but skip the garnishes until after reheating. Pack individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat Brie Mac and Cheese carefully to avoid separating the creamy sauce. For stovetop reheating, pop it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a small splash of milk or cream as it warms up. In the microwave, cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring every 30 seconds until just heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While Brie and sharp white cheddar are a winning combo, you can mix in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even fontina for a fun variation. Just make sure to keep the Brie as a main player for signature flavor.
Should I remove the rind from the Brie?
Removing the rind gives your sauce a smoother texture, but if you enjoy a little extra earthiness and don’t mind a few flecks in your sauce, feel free to leave it on. Either way, the flavor will shine!
How do I make baked Brie Mac and Cheese?
Simply transfer your finished pasta and sauce to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and a little extra Parmesan, then bake at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes until golden and bubbly. It’s perfect for a crispy-topped variation!
Is Brie Mac and Cheese vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, as long as you’re using cheeses made with vegetarian rennet (check labels if you’re strict). The recipe contains no meat, making it a luxurious vegetarian main or side dish.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Just multiply all the ingredients, and use a wider saucepan or Dutch oven to accommodate more cheese sauce and pasta. It doubles like a dream for family gatherings or potlucks.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your family or just treat yourself to a cozy night in, give this Brie Mac and Cheese a spot on your menu. It’s creamy, decadent, and a little bit fancy—everything we love about comfort food, with a little flair. You might never go back to boxed mac and cheese again!
Print
Brie Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy luxury of Brie Mac and Cheese, a gourmet twist on the classic comfort food favorite. This velvety dish combines the richness of Brie cheese with the sharpness of white cheddar, creating a decadent sauce that coats every bite of perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or shell pasta
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 6 oz Brie cheese (rind removed and cut into chunks)
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in Brie, cheddar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Optionally, top with Parmesan and garnish with chives or parsley.
Notes
- For a baked version, transfer the dish to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, then bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Enhance with crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
