Macaroni and Cheese with Crunchy Garlic Bread Cubes

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this luscious Macaroni and Cheese with Crunchy Garlic Bread Cubes. This elevated twist on a classic features creamy layers of sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and rich Parmesan cheeses, enveloping tender macaroni pasta in a velvety sauce made from scratch. The topping is what truly sets this dish apart—golden, garlicky cubes of toasted garlic bread that add a satisfying crunch to every bite. Perfectly seasoned with hints of garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh parsley, this baked casserole is both decadent and delightfully textured. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or the star of the table, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for cozy gatherings or indulgent weeknight dinners.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 350 grams macaroni pasta
• 80 grams unsalted butter
• 40 grams all-purpose flour
• 500 milliliters whole milk
• 240 milliliters heavy cream
• 200 grams sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 150 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups cooked garlic bread, cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the macaroni pasta, and cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt 60 grams of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to ensure no lumps form. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5

Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, saving a small portion of each for topping. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl, then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Step 7

In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and remaining 20 grams of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 8

Toss the garlic bread cubes in the skillet with the garlic mixture until they’re evenly coated. Toast lightly for 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Spread the garlic bread cubes evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired, and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2176.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6854.4

Total Fat 400.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 204.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 961.2mg	0%
Sodium 8754.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 584.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.2g	0%
Total Sugars 57.9g
Protein 210.2g	0%

Vitamin D 269.7IU	0%
Calcium 4005.2mg	0%
Iron 25.7mg	0%
Potassium 2557.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.1%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 34.5%