Brie Mac and Cheese Recipe
There’s something absolutely magical about settling in with a bowl of Brie Mac and Cheese—creamy, velvety, and deeply satisfying. This version transforms the classic comfort food into pure sophistication, thanks to a luscious trio of brie, sharp white cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses that melt into an irresistibly rich sauce. Every bite marries gooey decadence with gentle nuttiness and a touch of sharpness, all topped with a golden, buttery panko crust that makes the whole dish pop. As far as cozy dinners go, this recipe is an indulgent game-changer you’ll keep coming back to—perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what goes into making Brie Mac and Cheese so show-stopping. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen, contributing its own flair—creamy, sharp, nutty, or just the perfect crunchy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip anything!
- Elbow macaroni (12 ounces): The classic shape allows all that luscious cheese sauce to cling perfectly.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Provides a rich base for your roux, letting you control the salt level.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce for that signature silky texture.
- Whole milk, warmed (3 cups): Warming the milk helps prevent lumps and leads to smoother sauce.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Adds a dose of extra creaminess you can really taste in every forkful.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the flavors without overpowering the star cheeses.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A subtle warmth to balance out all the richness.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Elevates the sauce with a hint of cozy spice—don’t skip it!
- Brie cheese, rind removed and cut into chunks (6 ounces): The secret to luxurious, ultra-creamy results.
- Shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings an extra punch and depth to the cheese blend.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds salty, nutty complexity and helps brown the topping.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): The crunch factor that turns comfort food into an experience.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Toasts the breadcrumbs for irresistible golden topping.
- Chopped fresh thyme or parsley, optional (1 tablespoon): A fresh, herby finish to brighten each bite.
How to Make Brie Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks when it’s time to bake. Trust me, getting these steps out of the way first saves you scrambling later!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the macaroni and cook until just al dente—remember, it’ll keep cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute until it’s just beginning to turn golden—this cooks out any raw flavor. Slowly add your warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to keep things smooth. Let it bubble gently for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Add the Spices and Cheese
Stir in the salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Reduce the heat and add the brie, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring as everything melts down into a silky, dreamy sauce. The brie melts last—give it a little patience for ultra-creamy results.
Step 5: Combine and Assemble
Fold the drained pasta into your cheese sauce, making sure every piece is gorgeously coated. Pour this cheesy magic into your prepared baking dish and spread out evenly.
Step 6: Prepare the Panko Topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until every crumb is glossy. Sprinkle the buttery crumbs evenly over the macaroni mixture—this topping will bake up crisp and golden.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Pop everything in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the topping is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. If you love an extra-crunchy crust, broil for a minute at the end—but keep an eye on it!
Step 8: Garnish and Enjoy
Let the Brie Mac and Cheese rest for a few minutes out of the oven—it will thicken, and the flavors will settle. Just before serving, finish with a generous scatter of fresh thyme or parsley for that pop of color and fresh aroma.
How to Serve Brie Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley is a must for this dish—it brightens up the richness and adds a lovely touch of green. For a little zing, you can even add cracked black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes on top. The herbs aren’t just pretty; they balance the flavors in every bite.
Side Dishes
Brie Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with a simple, crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or brussels sprouts also offer welcome contrast to the decadent cheese sauce, giving your meal a touch of freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Brie Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party touch, or scoop into a hollowed-out sourdough loaf for a show-stopping presentation at casual gatherings. It even makes a fun small-plate or tapas option when served in smaller portions alongside a variety of other dishes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Brie Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce tends to thicken as it cools, but the flavors continue to meld and develop, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze Brie Mac and Cheese after baking—just cool it completely, wrap well with foil, and freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating so the sauce stays creamy.
Reheating
To reheat, place your portion in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen up the sauce. For single servings, the microwave works too—just stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I leave some rind on the brie for deeper flavor?
Absolutely! Leaving a bit of the brie rind on will bring an earthier, more pronounced brie flavor to the dish. Just be sure to chop it finely so it melts smoothly into the sauce.
What pasta shapes work best besides elbow macaroni?
While elbows are classic, shells, cavatappi, or penne also work wonderfully since their curves and ridges catch every drop of cheese sauce. Just stick with short, sturdy shapes for the best results.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
You can use pre-shredded cheese in a pinch, but for ultimate creaminess, buy blocks of brie, cheddar, and Parmesan, then shred or chop them yourself—pre-shredded cheese sometimes contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt as smoothly.
Can I make this Brie Mac and Cheese gluten-free?
Definitely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for the roux. Use gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers for the topping to keep that signature crunch.
How can I make Brie Mac and Cheese even more gourmet?
Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or a handful of baby spinach folded into the sauce before baking. A drizzle of white truffle oil after baking takes it totally over the top for a special occasion!
Final Thoughts
Brie Mac and Cheese makes every night feel like a celebration—comforting, gourmet, and oh-so-satisfying. If you’re craving an upgrade to your usual mac, this is the dish you’ve been waiting for. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love, and prepare for oozy, cheesy joy in every forkful!
Print
Brie Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy decadence of Brie Mac and Cheese, a gourmet twist on classic comfort food. This baked pasta dish combines the rich flavors of brie, sharp white cheddar, and Parmesan for a truly indulgent experience.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk, warmed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 6 ounces brie cheese, rind removed and cut into chunks
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Add brie, cheddar, and Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat, then transfer to prepared baking dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra richness, leave some of the brie rind on for deeper flavor.
- This mac and cheese pairs well with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
