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These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

May 13, 2025

12 Ingredients
MEDIUM

This Cacio e Pepe Mac & Cheese in a Parmesan Bowl is a mind-blowingly creative spin on two comfort food favorites. Creamy mac and cheese is infused with the bold flavors of cacio e pepe—garlic, black pepper, Parmesan, pecorino, and mozzarella—then served in a crispy baked parmesan cheese bowl. The sauce is garlicky, cheesy, and luscious, clinging to each bite of perfectly cooked pasta. The edible bowl adds crunch, saltiness, and flair, making this a showstopping meal or appetizer.

Cacio e Pepe Mac & Cheese in a Parmesan Bowl
Cacio e Pepe Mac & Cheese in a Parmesan Bowl
Cacio e Pepe Mac & Cheese in a Parmesan Bowl
Cacio e Pepe Mac & Cheese in a Parmesan Bowl cover
From the Cook
From the Cook
From the Cook
1/4

Cacio e Pepe Mac & Cheese in a Parmesan Bowl

By
These Carbs Don't Count
These Carbs Don't CountVerified

Ingredients

bowls
Milk and 5 other allergens identified

Instructions

Print

Instructions

1
|
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.
2
|
In a large skillet, melt butter with a dash of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3
|
Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
4
|
Stir in Parmesan, pecorino, and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
5
|
Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
6
|
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and sprinkle Parmesan into a large circle.
7
|
Bake for 5–7 minutes until melted and golden. Immediately drape the melted cheese over an upside-down bowl to form a bowl shape.
8
|
Let the Parmesan bowl cool and harden, then fill with hot mac and cheese and serve immediately.
Bite Tutorial

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

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Tips & Tricks (5)

  • Parmesan Bowl Perfection 🧀
    Create a uniform, crisp Parmesan bowl by using freshly grated cheese and baking on a silicone mat at precisely 375°F for 5-7 minutes until golden and lacy.
  • Pasta Water Magic 💧
    Always reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining; this liquid gold helps emulsify and bind the cheese sauce, creating a silky, clump-free texture.
  • Pepper Punch 🌶️
    Toast whole black peppercorns in a dry skillet before grinding to release deeper, more complex aromatics that are quintessential to authentic cacio e pepe flavor.
  • Cheese Melting Technique 🔬
    Remove the cheese sauce from direct heat and add cheeses gradually, stirring constantly to prevent breaking and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Garlic Infusion Hack 🧄
    Slowly roast minced garlic in butter until golden and fragrant to develop a deeper, nuttier flavor profile without risking bitter burnt notes.

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About the Cook

These Carbs Don't Count

These Carbs Don't Count

Verified

Hi! I’m Angela and if you’re reading this you probably love carbs & pasta and you’ve come to the right place. I’m so excited to share delicious recipes, cooking tips, gluten free life & restaurant recs! Welcome carbies and subscribe for more content! Link above :)

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