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Boursin Mac and Cheese transforms ordinary pasta into a luxurious dish. The herbed cheese melts into a velvety sauce that clings to each piece of pasta, creating deep, complex flavors. Through extensive testing, Boursin's signature herb and garlic blend provides the ideal taste profile for an elevated mac and cheese.
The secret to this recipe's success lies in properly incorporating the Boursin cheese. When melted gradually into the sauce, it creates an incredibly smooth, lump-free texture that coats every pasta curve.
Essential Ingredients
- Boursin cheese: Select Garlic & Fine Herbs variety for best results
- Pasta: Medium shells or cavatappi grip sauce effectively
- Heavy cream: Essential for proper sauce consistency
- Sharp cheddar: Provides depth and balanced tang
- Fresh garlic: Intensifies savory notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Bring well-salted water to boil. Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. Don't rinse - the starch helps the sauce cling.
- Start the Sauce:
- Melt butter in large pot over medium heat. Add minced garlic, cook until fragrant. Whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook roux for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
- Build the Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in warm milk and cream. Stir constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the Cheese:
- Remove from heat. Add Boursin in small pieces, stirring until melted. Add cheddar gradually. Stir until completely smooth.
- Final Assembly:
- Add cooked pasta to sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece. Add pasta water if needed for desired consistency. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
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Managing Heat
Precise temperature control prevents sauce separation. Remove pot from heat before adding cheese to maintain smooth texture. If sauce appears broken, incorporate warm milk slowly while stirring to restore consistency.
Pasta Selection
Textured pasta shapes capture more sauce in their ridges and hollows. Medium shells and cavatappi create ideal pockets for the creamy sauce.
Advanced Preparation
Prepare up to 48 hours ahead. When reheating, stir in fresh cream over low heat until warmed through.
Accompaniments
Balance richness with crisp garden salads or roasted vegetables. For special occasions, top with toasted breadcrumbs and broil briefly.
Storage Guidelines
Store refrigerated in sealed container up to 3 days. Sauce naturally thickens when chilled but regains proper consistency upon gentle reheating.
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This elevated mac and cheese recipe delivers restaurant-quality results. The careful blend of cheeses and properly executed technique creates a memorably creamy, flavorful dish suitable for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How should I store leftovers?
- Keep them in the fridge for no more than 3 days, then warm them up adding a bit of milk.
- → What Boursin flavor’s the best?
- Garlic and herb Boursin is the usual choice, though any flavor does the trick.
- → Can I make this in advance?
- It tastes best when it’s fresh, though it can be warmed through adding a splash of milk.
- → Is it okay to swap pasta shapes?
- Definitely! Any smaller pasta shape that holds lots of sauce is good.
- → What's the deal with freshly grating cheese?
- You see, pre-shredded cheese has stuff added to stop it clumping, and that stops it from melting properly.