Baked Macaroni and Brie is a delightful dish that combines the creamy goodness of brie cheese with the comforting familiarity of baked macaroni. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a total cooking time of 40 minutes, this recipe falls under the category of quick and easy meals, perfect for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying.
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and toasty for baking later on. While the oven heats up, take a moment to butter a medium-sized casserole dish, ensuring that every inch is coated with a generous layer of butter to prevent sticking and impart a rich flavor to the finished dish.
Next, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your macaroni until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the decadent cheese sauce.
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter until it’s nice and bubbly. Then, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook and form a golden brown roux. This step is crucial for developing a rich, flavorful sauce that will elevate your macaroni and cheese to new heights of deliciousness.
Now it’s time to add the liquid components to the sauce. Stir in the milk and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle boil while stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, reduce the heat to low and add the star ingredient: brie cheese.
As the brie melts into the sauce, its creamy texture and nutty flavor will infuse every bite of the dish with irresistible goodness. Be sure to season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Once the sauce is silky smooth and seasoned to perfection, add the cooked macaroni to the pan, tossing it gently to ensure that every noodle is coated in the luscious cheese sauce. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to create a uniform layer.
For the finishing touch, combine breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with 3 tablespoons of melted butter, creating a crunchy topping that will add texture and flavor to the dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese, creating a golden crust that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Pop the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the macaroni and cheese to bubble and the topping to turn a gorgeous golden brown.
Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Then, dig in and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this indulgent Baked Macaroni and Brie recipe, savoring each mouthful as the flavors dance across your palate. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting family dinner or impressing guests at a dinner party, this dish is sure to be a hit every time.
