Introduction

Easy Boursin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. With the rich, herby notes of Boursin cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish is both indulgent and easy to make. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side.

The image shows a close-up of creamy mac and cheese with a golden brown breadcrumb topping. The dish is scooped up with a golden spoon, lifting a portion of curly pasta covered in melted, stringy cheese. The top layer is a crispy, browned breadcrumb crust with small green herb pieces scattered on it. This is set in a white ceramic baking dish with a green outer edge, sitting on a white marbled surface. The melted cheese stretches from the dish to the spoon, emphasizing the creamy texture inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 and set aside, reserving a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
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 bubbly and smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream. Add the entire Boursin cheese round and grated cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add milk gradually to reach a velvety consistency. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Step 3: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat every piece. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more milk. Let it sit a minute to thicken slightly.
Step 4: In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of 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 5: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls or a large dish. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs generously over the top. Serve hot and enjoy! For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

To add extra flavor, mix in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms before adding the breadcrumb topping.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
For a crispier topping, place the assembled dish under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Breadcrumb topping is best fresh, but can be toasted again briefly before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a creamy baked macaroni and cheese in a white square baking dish with a yellow leaf pattern around the top edge. The dish has one thick layer of soft macaroni pasta covered in a rich, smooth white cheese sauce with small visible herbs. The top layer consists of a golden-brown crumbly topping made of breadcrumbs, giving a crunchy texture. A wooden spoon is scooping some of the macaroni and cheese from the bottom right corner, showing the creamy sauce underneath the crumbly topping. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with some crumbs on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of Boursin?

Yes, you can substitute with other soft, flavored cheeses like cream cheese mixed with herbs or goat cheese. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.

How do I prevent the mac and cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Make sure to whisk constantly when adding the cream and avoid overheating once the cheese is added. Low to medium heat helps the cheese melt smoothly, resulting in a creamy sauce.