Dinner

Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByMaya bella October 20, 2026October 20, 2026

Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food, blending creamy cheesy sauce with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. Perfectly baked for a bubbly finish, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

A close-up of a baked macaroni and cheese dish showing creamy, melted cheese with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. The top layer is made of browned, crispy breadcrumbs mixed with cheese, creating a textured, rough look in golden brown and light yellow colors. Below, a thick layer of gooey, stretchy white cheese coats soft, pale yellow macaroni noodles, with some cheese strands pulling as a wooden spoon scoops the dish. The mix of creamy and crunchy textures creates an inviting, warm comfort food appearance, with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound dry weight pasta (elbow, macaroni, cellentani, or any other pasta)
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
2/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup butter
4 cloves garlic (crushed)
1/4 cup flour (all purpose or plain)
4 1/2 cups milk (divided, skim, 2%, or full fat)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (or corn flour)
1 pinch salt (to season)
1 pinch pepper (to season)
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder (or vegetable stock powder)
3/4 cup low fat grated cheddar cheese
1 cup parmesan cheese (grated, divided)
6 ounces low fat mozzarella cheese (sliced)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil pasta in salted water according to packet instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Step 2: Preheat oven grill or broiler to 190°C (375°F).
Step 3: Melt 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in a large oven-proof pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add Panko breadcrumbs and stir to coat. Cook until golden brown, then transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 4: In the same pan, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add crushed garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 5: Whisk in flour and cook while stirring for at least 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
Step 6: Gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk in small amounts, whisking between each addition until smooth. Bring to a boil and cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 7: In a separate jug, mix cornstarch with the remaining 1/2 cup milk until lump-free. Stir this mixture into the sauce to thicken it fully.
Step 8: Season sauce with salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon powder. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, 3/4 cup parmesan, and mozzarella slices until all cheese is melted.
Step 9: Toss pasta into the sauce until fully coated. Top with the browned Panko and remaining parmesan cheese.
Step 10: Broil in the oven for 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat milk and cheeses for an extra creamy and rich texture.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for more flavor.
Swap chicken bouillon for vegetable stock powder to keep it vegetarian.
For a spicier kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before broiling.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

This close-up image shows a creamy baked mac and cheese with two layers clearly visible: a thick, smooth white cheese sauce layer coating soft elbow macaroni beneath a golden-brown, crispy breadcrumb topping that looks crunchy and uneven with some darker toasted spots. A wooden spoon is scooping into the dish, pulling up gooey, melted cheese strings stretching between the layers. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any pasta that holds sauce well such as elbow macaroni, cellentani, or shells works well. Just cook until al dente, so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.

How do I make the breadcrumb topping crispy?

Melting the butter before tossing with Panko breadcrumbs and cooking them until golden in the pan ensures a crunchy topping that crisps nicely under the broiler.