- VE
These Carbs Don't Count
May 13, 2025
This Garlic Confit Mac & Cheese is a decadent, ultra-cheesy pasta dish loaded with rich roasted garlic flavor. Garlic cloves are gently confited in olive oil, then mashed into butter to form the base of a velvety cheese sauce. With layers of cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and even a hint of velveeta, this dish is gooey, creamy, and baked to perfection. Topped with more cheese and crisped in the oven, it’s a garlic lover’s dream comfort food.
14 Ingredients
From the Cook
1/2
Garlic Confit Mac & Cheese
Instructions
1
|
Add garlic cloves to a pan and cover with olive oil. Add a pinch of salt.
2
|
Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes until soft and slightly browned. Transfer garlic and oil to a bowl to cool.
3
|
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until very al dente. Reserve some pasta water and drain.
4
|
In a new pan, melt butter and mash in the confited garlic cloves. Cook briefly to infuse.
5
|
Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
6
|
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Velveeta cubes until melted and smooth.
7
|
Add cooked pasta and a dash of pasta water. Stir to coat evenly.
8
|
Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheddar and mozzarella.
9
|
Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve hot.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Review & Earn
Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus
Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!
My Notes
Your kitchen notebook is waiting.
Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.
Tips & Tricks (5)
- Garlic Confit Magic 🧄Slowly cook garlic cloves in olive oil at a very low temperature (around 200°F) for 30-45 minutes to achieve the most tender, mellow garlic flavor without burning.
- Cheese Melting Technique 🧀Grate cheeses at room temperature and add them gradually to your sauce, stirring continuously to create a smooth, lump-free cheese mixture that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Pasta Water Power 💧Reserve at least 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining, as it helps create a silkier sauce and helps the cheese adhere better to the pasta.
- Crispy Top Secret 🔥Broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking to create a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds incredible texture and visual appeal.
- Flavor Layering Hack 🌶️Mix your dry spices (onion powder, garlic powder, paprika) into the butter before adding cheese to distribute flavors more evenly throughout the dish.
Intelligent Tags
Recommended Recipe Products
$9.89
EHOMEA2Z
EHOMEA2Z Italian Glass Olive Oil Dispenser Bottle - 16 Oz, Oil and Vinegar Cruet with Stainless Steel Spout for Kitchen, Slight Green Tint (1, 473ml)
$9.99
HIWARE
Hiware Solid Stainless Steel Spider Strainer Skimmer Ladle for Cooking and Frying, Kitchen Utensils Wire Strainer Pasta Spoon, 5.4 Inch
$36.99
Urban Noon
Electric Salt and Pepper Grinder Set - Battery Operated Stainless Steel Mill with Light (2 Mills) - Automatic One Handed Operation - Electronic Adjustable Shakers - Ceramic Grinders
$12.89
Laxinis World
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons 10-Piece Set, 5 Cups And 5 Spoons
$21.99
DOWAN
DOWAN 10 OZ Ice Cream Bowls - 4.25" Ceramic Dessert Bowl Set of 6 - Porcelain Small Bowls, Bouillon Cups for Side Dishes, Ice Cream, Oatmeal, Fruit, Portion Control - Dishwasher Microwave Safe
$16.99
Delling
DELLING Ultra-Strong 3 Oz Ceramic Dip Bowls Set, White Dipping Sauce Bowls/Dishes for Tomato Sauce, Soy, BBQ and other Party Dinner - Set of 6
$29.00
Folkuture
Folkulture Wooden Spoons for Cooking | 12" Premium Acacia Wooden Utensil Set of 5 - Smooth Finish, Soft Comfort Cooking Utensils Set for Kitchen, Gifts | Non Stick Wooden Cooking Utensils Set of 5
$19.95
Blue Diamond
Blue Diamond 10" Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, Diamond Infused PFAS & PTFE-Free Ceramic Pot, Dishwasher & Oven Safe, Stay Cool Handle, Durable Non Toxic Metal Utensil Safe, Egg & Omelet Pan, Blue
$99.99
All Clad
All-Clad HA1 Hard Anodized Non Stick Fry Pan Set 2 Piece, 8, 10 Inch, Induction, Oven Broiler Safe 500F, Pots and Pans Set, Kitchen Frying Pans, Skillets, Premium Cookware, Home, Dishwasher Safe Black
$5.99
ZEPELOFFY
Pastry Brush, Basting Brush,Basting Brush for Cooking,Heat Resistant Silicone Brush for Kitchen BBQ Grill Barbecue Baking
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Smart Nutrition
Nutrition Per Serving
More Recipes by These Carbs Don't Count
Check out more These Carbs Don't Count content!Browse These Carbs Don't Count recipes!
No Recipes Available
EXPLORE
Looking for more?
Use our smart searchtool, explore by category, or browse your customized food feed.