Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic favorite. With the rich, herby flavor of Boursin cheese and a crunchy toasted breadcrumb topping, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz short pasta (such as macaroni, shells, or similar)
- 1 round Boursin cheese
- 1 cup grated white cheddar cheese, packed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water, and set aside.
- Step 2: In the empty pasta pot or a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until smooth and bubbly.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, then add the Boursin cheese round and grated cheddar. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add milk gradually until smooth and velvety. Adjust salt to taste.
- Step 4: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly. If needed, loosen the sauce with reserved pasta water or additional milk. Let it rest a minute to thicken slightly.
- Step 5: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 6: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving dishes and sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously on top. Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Variations
- Save some pasta water when draining to loosen the sauce if needed for a silky texture.
- Add chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
- Substitute white cheddar with sharp orange cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor.
Storage
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. The breadcrumb topping is best added fresh each time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Boursin?
Yes, you can substitute Boursin with other soft, flavored cheeses like cream cheese mixed with herbs, or goat cheese for a different but delicious creamy taste.
Is it necessary to toast the breadcrumbs?
Toasting the breadcrumbs in butter adds a wonderful crunch and rich, nutty flavor that complements the creamy mac and cheese, but you can skip this step if short on time.
PrintEasy Boursin Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy Boursin cheese with white cheddar and a crispy breadcrumb topping for a rich, comforting pasta dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Comfort Food, Pasta, Quick & Easy
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the pasta and cheese sauce:
- 8 oz short pasta (such as macaroni, shells, or similar)
- 1 round Boursin cheese (approx. 4 oz)
- 1 cup grated white cheddar cheese, packed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
For the topping:
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add 8 oz of short pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for later if needed.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the empty pasta pot or a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook while stirring constantly for about 1 minute until bubbly and smooth. Gradually pour in 1 cup heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Add 1 whole round of Boursin cheese and 1 cup grated white cheddar. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, add up to 1/2 cup milk gradually to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency. Season with salt to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra milk to loosen it. Let the mixture sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly while cooling. Gently fold the pasta to keep it intact.
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup plain breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. This adds rich flavor and crunchy texture to the dish.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the sauced pasta to serving bowls or a large dish. Generously sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top. Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Enjoy your creamy, comforting Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese!
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water when draining pasta; it helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Gently fold the pasta into the sauce to prevent breaking the pasta pieces.
- Toasted breadcrumbs add a delicious crunchy top—do not skip this step.
- Adjust salt at the end of sauce preparation since Boursin and cheddar cheeses contain salt.
- Can be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley for extra flavor and color.
- Use short pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as macaroni or shells.
Keywords: Boursin mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, cheesy pasta, comfort food, quick pasta dinner, breadcrumb topping
