Description
Indulgently creamy Boursin mac and cheese with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (227 g) macaroni or similarly shaped pasta
- 1 round Boursin cheese (garlic and herb flavor preferred)
- 1 packed cup (approximately 4 oz / 113 g) freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 – 1/2 cup (60 – 120 ml) milk
- 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

- Step 2: In the same pot or a separate medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons (16 g) of flour continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of clumps.

- Step 3: Slowly pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the sauce is silky and smooth.

- Step 4: Add the whole round of Boursin cheese, 1 packed cup (about 4 oz / 113 g) of freshly shredded white cheddar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the sauce. Stir until all cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy.

- Step 5: If the cheese sauce seems too thick (it will thicken when mixed with pasta), add milk incrementally between 1/4 to 1/2 cup (60 – 120 ml) according to desired consistency. Stir gently to combine.

- Step 6: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta. Gently stir to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.

- Step 7: In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons (28 g) of butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs and toast until golden brown (about 2–3 minutes), stirring frequently to prevent burning.

- Step 8: Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the creamy texture and crunchy topping.

Notes
- Room Temperature: Store boursin mac and cheese in an airtight container away from heat and direct sunlight for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Use an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain creaminess.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- For a smooth roux, whisk continuously over medium heat to avoid lumps before adding the cream.
- Gradually whisk heavy cream into the roux to ensure the sauce is silky and smooth.
- If the cheese sauce becomes clumpy, slowly reheat over medium heat, whisking continuously until smooth before adding cheeses.
- When breadcrumbs lack crispness, toast them in melted butter for 2–3 minutes over medium heat prior to sprinkling.
- If pasta is not fully coated, stir in an additional splash of heavy cream (around 2 tablespoons) to improve texture.
- If the sauce separates, reduce heat immediately and whisk in 1 tablespoon of heavy cream to re-emulsify.
- Serve alongside steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans for a vegetable complement.
- A fresh side salad or roasted Brussels sprouts pairs well as a lighter side dish.
- Use leftover boursin mac and cheese for a creamy pasta bake, stuffed bell peppers, or incorporated into layered casseroles.
- Garnish with crispy bacon bits or sprinkle fresh herbs for enhanced flavor and brightness.
- A drizzle of truffle oil adds extra richness for special occasions.
- For a lighter sauce, whole milk can replace part of the heavy cream.
- Replace milk with plant-based milk for a lighter option.
- The recipe is vegetarian but not suitable for dairy-free, vegan, gluten-free, keto, or low-carb diets due to ingredients.
- Traditional elbow macaroni or similarly shaped pasta are recommended for best cheese adherence.
- Choose small elbow macaroni for the best texture and cheese retention.
- Unsalted butter is preferred to control dish seasoning and richness.
- Use freshly shredded white cheddar for the best melt and flavor depth.
- Garlic and herb flavored Boursin cheese adds the key creamy and savory character.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
