This post is sponsored by Pyrex. Ingredients
Unsalted butter All-purpose flour Whole milk Elbow macaroni Garlic clove Sourdough bread Shredded sharp white cheddar Brie cheese Cayenne Kosher salt and black pepper Fresh thyme
Kitchen Supplies
9×13 Pyrex baking dish or casserole dish of your choice large pot baking sheet large saucepan
If there’s one dish that’s been requested over and over the last few months, it’s mac and cheese. Something about cold weather and cheesy pasta just go hand in hand. Every time my brothers stop by the studio, I know what they’re looking for, mac and cheese. The snow season is officially here in Colorado. This means that all of my brothers (and all of their friends) are back in town. If you’ve been reading for a while, then you know that my brothers all snowboard. One of them causally won an Olympic gold medal back in February. Ever since then, it’s been non-stop travel for two of my bothers, Malachi and Red. They are finally back home in Colorado. It’s so nice to have them around again, they always know how to have fun. After ending their day of snowboarding, they’ve been making their way over to the new studio on a regular basis. Their current favorite food is mac and cheese. They’ll take it any which way I serve it up. Lately, my personal favorite is this baked Brie mac and cheese. It’s creamy, indulgent, and so delicious.
What’s my best kept secret to a good mac and cheese? A mix of my favorite cheese, Brie, and homemade sourdough bread crumbs. I know that using Brie in mac and cheese might sound a little over the top, but it’s truly one of the best cheeses you can use. It’s melts perfectly into the sauce and adds an extra special touch that other classic mac and cheese recipes lack. In addition to the Brie, I also used a little sharp white cheddar and Havarti, to balance out the flavors. And then, the bread crumb topping. A delicious, crunchy topping. Normally, I might skip out on adding breadcrumbs to a mac and cheese. But a baked mac and cheese for the holidays should always include a fresh bread crumb topping. Using sourdough bread and a little garlic adds a layer of delicious, buttery, and slightly garlicy flavor. Wonderful when paired with the creamy Brie. Couldn’t think of a better holiday mac and cheese that feels fancier than this.
One of the main reasons this baked Brie mac and cheese is such a go-to for me this time of year (aside from how delicious it is) is because it’s a dish that I can prepare ahead of time and keep stored in the fridge until ready to bake. My days have been packed with work, so I don’t always have time to make dinner. Keeping pastas and casseroles on hand can be a life saver when unexpected guests show up. Which is quite often around here. My best cookware for storing meals are my durable Pyrex glass bakers. Pull it out of the fridge to get to room temperature (while pre-heating your oven!) then bring it over to the table when you’re ready to serve.
My mom has always used Pyrex in her kitchen. So even from a very young age, I’ve loved using Pyrex cookware. Using Pyrex just makes life easier. And I’m loving their fun holiday storage containers that would be so cute for gifting homemade treats this December! They’re also helpful for leftovers! My recommendation? Test this recipe out over the weekend, but make a double batch to keep in the freezer for Christmas week. Trust me, having a couple of meals already made and ready for baking will save you from unneeded holiday stress. It will also provide family friends with a yummy dinner, no matter how crazy things are!
If you make this mac and cheese, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
{This post is sponsored by Pyrex. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Half Baked Harvest cooking!}
