If you are ready to dive into comfort food heaven, the OMG Mac and Cheese Recipe is the dish you’ve been dreaming of. This isn’t your everyday mac and cheese; it’s a luscious, creamy, garlic-infused masterpiece that will have you sneaking seconds before you even realize it. The harmony of Boursin cream cheese, rich heavy cream, and sharp Cheddar Jack cheese makes every forkful a celebration. It’s pure cheesy magic that’s guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simplicity meeting indulgence. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that silky texture, bold flavor, and inviting golden color, making the end result irresistible.
- Elbow macaroni (16 oz): The perfect pasta shape for trapping cheesy sauce in every nook and cranny.
- Garlic Boursin cream cheese (2 cubes, 5.2 oz each): Adds a savory garlic-herb punch, elevating the mac and cheese to gourmet status.
- Heavy cream (3 cups): Creates that dreamy, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The secret to ultimate creaminess and smooth consistency.
- Shredded Cheddar Jack cheese (2 cups): Provides a sharp, melty topping that browns to perfection under the oven’s heat.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish’s rich flavors.
How to Make OMG Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking and to make cleanup a breeze. Having this ready upfront saves time and ensures your mac and cheese finishes perfectly baked to bubbly, cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the heavy cream, garlic Boursin cream cheese, and softened cream cheese. Stir gently and continuously until everything melts together into a smooth, luscious sauce. This is where the magic begins—make sure the heat isn’t too high to avoid curdling. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, balancing the rich creaminess with a touch of seasoning.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Next, stir your perfectly cooked and drained elbow macaroni right into the creamy sauce. Toss to coat every piece thoroughly so that no noodle gets left behind on the flavor train. This step ensures that every bite will melt in your mouth with cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the cheesy pasta mix into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar Jack cheese all over the top to create that classic golden crust. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is gloriously melted and bubbling. This final step adds a beautiful texture contrast between creamy interior and a slightly crisp top layer.
How to Serve OMG Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra touch of flair and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. A dash of smoked paprika or a drizzle of truffle oil can make the presentation pop and the flavors sing. These simple garnishes can take your OMG Mac and Cheese Recipe from incredible to unforgettable.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides to balance the richness. Think fresh green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw. Your taste buds will appreciate the contrast, and together, they create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow guests? Serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins right out of the oven—nothing says comfort food like personal cheesy casseroles with a bubbly top. Or layer it with crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions between baking steps for a gourmet twist that’s sure to spark rave reviews.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this divine OMG Mac and Cheese Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this mac and cheese, too! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to ensure even reheating.
Reheating
To bring your mac and cheese back to life, reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Cover it with foil if using the oven to prevent the cheese from burning, and stir halfway through warming to maintain that creamy, cheesy texture we all crave. Adding a splash of milk or cream during reheating helps revive the sauce’s lushness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and holds sauce beautifully, you can try shells, cavatappi, or even penne for a slightly different texture experience. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, you can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but remember the sauce won’t be quite as rich. You could also reduce the amount of cheese slightly, although it is so delicious because of that creamy punch!
Can I add protein to the OMG Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Yes! Adding cooked bacon bits, grilled chicken, or sautéed mushrooms can turn this side into a hearty main dish. Just fold in your protein before baking for best results.
How do I get a crispy topping?
If you love crispy cheese crust, try sprinkling some panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and a bit of parmesan on top before baking. It adds a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Sure! You can make the cheese sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, warm the sauce gently before mixing with pasta to keep the creamy smoothness intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of creamy, cheesy macaroni, and the OMG Mac and Cheese Recipe brings that comfort to the next level. Whether it’s a family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is pure joy in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll see why it’s one of my absolute favorites to share and savor.
Print
OMG Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This OMG Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy garlic Boursin cheese, rich cream cheese, and sharp Cheddar Jack cheese to create an indulgently smooth and flavorful macaroni and cheese. Ready in just 25 minutes and baked until bubbly and golden, it’s a perfect comfort food dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz elbow macaroni (cooked and drained)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 (5.2-oz) cubes garlic Boursin cream cheese
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, softened
- salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking pan: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Set it aside for later use.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the heavy cream, garlic Boursin cream cheese, and softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheeses melt together into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta with sauce: Add the cooked and drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat every piece of pasta well with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Evenly spread the shredded Cheddar Jack cheese on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the mac and cheese to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Make sure to cook and drain the pasta al dente before mixing to avoid mushy mac and cheese.
- Stir the cheese sauce continuously to prevent it from sticking or burning on the bottom of the pan.
- You can substitute the Cheddar Jack cheese with your preferred melting cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
