Creamy Goat Cheese Mac & Cheese Bake
Indulge in a luxurious twist on the classic mac and cheese with this creamy goat cheese version. The combination of tangy goat cheese and nutty Parmesan creates a rich, velvety sauce that envelops perfectly cooked macaroni. Topped with a crunchy mixture of breadcrumbs, more Parmesan, and fragrant thyme, this dish balances creamy and crispy textures in every bite. It's perfect for family dinners or gatherings and pairs beautifully with a refreshing green salad and a loaf of crusty bread. Prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for an easy, make-ahead meal that will impress your guests.
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
macaroni
1/2 lb (uncooked)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
milk
2 cups (whole or 2%)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste
grated Parmesan cheese
2/3 cup (divided)
goat cheese
1/2 cup (divided)
olive oil
1 tablespoon
dried breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons
dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until a smooth paste forms, cooking for about 1 minute.
4
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for approximately 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in 2/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/3 cup of goat cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
6
6. Lightly grease an 8 to 10-inch gratin or baking dish with olive oil. Add the drained macaroni to the dish, then pour the creamy cheese sauce over the macaroni, stirring gently to combine.
7
7. In a small bowl, mix together the remaining 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, dried thyme, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Evenly distribute the mixture over the macaroni.
8
8. Crumble the remaining 1/4 cup of goat cheese on top of the breadcrumb mixture.
9
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Goat Cheese Mac & Cheese Bake?
It is a luxurious twist on traditional macaroni and cheese that uses a blend of tangy goat cheese and nutty Parmesan for a rich, velvety sauce.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 pound of uncooked macaroni pasta.
How long do I cook the macaroni?
Boil the macaroni in lightly salted water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What is the first step in making the cheese sauce?
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over low heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a smooth paste.
How long should I cook the butter and flour mixture?
Cook the flour and butter paste for about 1 minute before adding the milk.
What kind of milk is recommended for the sauce?
You can use 2 cups of either whole or 2% milk.
How do I prevent lumps in my cheese sauce?
Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to ensure a smooth consistency.
How long does the milk mixture take to thicken?
It takes approximately 5 minutes for the sauce to thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.
When do I add the cheese to the sauce?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before whisking in 2/3 cup of Parmesan and 1/3 cup of goat cheese.
How much goat cheese is used in total?
A total of 1/2 cup of goat cheese is used, divided between the sauce and the topping.
How much Parmesan cheese do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese in total, divided for use in the sauce and the topping.
What should I use to grease the baking dish?
Lightly grease an 8 to 10-inch gratin or baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How do I prepare the topping?
In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1/3 cup of Parmesan, 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme, and black pepper.
What goes on the very top of the dish before baking?
After spreading the breadcrumb mixture, crumble the remaining 1/4 cup of goat cheese on top.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat and bake the dish at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
How long does the mac and cheese bake in the oven?
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish and refrigerate it before baking for an easy make-ahead meal.
What are the main flavors in this dish?
The dish features the tanginess of goat cheese, the saltiness of Parmesan, and the fragrance of dried thyme.
What should I serve with this meal?
It pairs beautifully with a refreshing green salad and a loaf of crusty bread.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is categorized as a family dinner and comfort food.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings.
What texture should the sauce have?
The sauce should be rich, velvety, and thick enough to coat the macaroni.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil for the macaroni.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses fresh ground black pepper, salt to taste, and dried thyme.
What size baking dish is required?
An 8 to 10-inch gratin or baking dish is ideal.
What kind of flour is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe specifically recommends 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients: macaroni, butter, flour, milk, pepper, Parmesan, goat cheese, olive oil, breadcrumbs, and thyme.
Is the topping crunchy?
Yes, the combination of breadcrumbs and Parmesan creates a crispy texture that balances the creamy sauce.
What is the total preparation and cook time category?
This recipe is categorized as taking less than 60 minutes to complete.