Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
1 large head of garlic
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 16-oz. pkg. cavatappi or fusilli pasta
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups half-and-half, at room temperature
1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
2 5.3-oz. pkg. garlic-and-fineherbs spreadable cheese (such as Boursin)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more for cooking pasta
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
4 oz. sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup), divided
4 oz. Gruyère cheese, shredded (1 cup), divided
1/2 cup finely chopped tender fresh herbs (such as chives, parsley, and tarragon)
Cooking spray
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F with a rack in the upper third position. Cut off the top third of the garlic head crosswise to expose cloves; discard the top. Place garlic on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle with oil and wrap tightly in foil. Bake directly on the oven rack until garlic is soft and golden, 45 minutes to 1 hour.
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Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions for al dente. Drain well and set aside. Wipe the pot clean.
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Carefully remove roasted garlic cloves from garlic head, discarding skins; place cloves in a small bowl. Using a fork, mash the garlic into a paste. Increase oven temperature to broil.
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Melt butter in pasta pot over medium. Whisk in flour; cook, whisking, for 1 minute. Gradually add half-and-half and milk, whisking constantly, until smooth and combined. Add spreadable cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and 1/2 cup each of cheddar and Gruyère. Stir until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.
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Remove from heat. Stir in herbs, pasta, and roasted garlic paste. Transfer to a 13-by-9-inch broiler-safe baking dish lightly coated with cooking spray. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup each of cheddar and Gruyère.
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Broil until cheese is melted and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Garnish with pepper.
Notes:
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions:
Prepare recipe through Step 5. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake, covered with aluminum foil, at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. Uncover and bake until top is golden and bubbly, 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with pepper and serve.
Recipe courtesy of Real Simple.com
