Mac and cheese and garlic bread are two of the most comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes out there, so why not bring them together for the ultimate cheesy, garlicky mashup? Imagine creamy, rich mac and cheese layered inside buttery, crispy garlic bread, baked to perfection for a dish that’s both decadent and irresistible. Whether you’re making this for a weeknight indulgence, game day snack, or a next-level side dish, this recipe takes the best of both worlds and turns them into something completely unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The Best of Both Worlds – Creamy mac and cheese meets crispy, garlicky bread in one bite.
- Golden, Buttery Perfection – Baked until the bread is crispy and the cheese is bubbling.
- Customizable – Add bacon, jalapeños, or even truffle oil for an elevated twist.
- Perfect for Sharing – A great dish for family dinners, potlucks, or parties.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and absolutely worth it.
The Secret to the Perfect Mac and Cheese Garlic Bread
The key to nailing this mashup is balancing texture and flavor. The mac and cheese needs to be thick and creamy, so it stays inside the bread without making it soggy. The garlic bread should be crispy on the outside but soft on the inside, with just the right amount of buttery garlic flavor to complement the cheese. A few tricks make this recipe stand out:
| Key Technique | Why It Matters |
| Using Thick, Creamy Mac and Cheese | Prevents the bread from getting soggy. |
| Toasting the Bread Before Baking | Helps keep it crispy while holding the filling. |
| Layering with Extra Cheese | Creates that gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves. |
| Adding Garlic Butter Before & After Baking | Ensures every bite is packed with garlic flavor. |
How to Make Mac and Cheese Garlic Bread
1. Make the Creamy Mac and Cheese
Cook 8 ounces elbow macaroni according to package instructions. In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter, whisk in 3 tablespoons flour, and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk and cook until thickened. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar and ½ cup Parmesan, mixing until smooth. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Let cool slightly so it thickens.
2. Prep the Garlic Bread Base
Slice a loaf of French bread or Italian bread in half lengthwise. In a bowl, mix 4 tablespoons melted butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Brush this mixture over both halves of the bread. Toast in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes until lightly crisped.
3. Assemble the Ultimate Mashup
Spread the thickened mac and cheese evenly over one half of the garlic bread. Sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella on top for extra cheesiness. Place the second bread half on top to create a sandwich-like effect. Brush the top with more garlic butter for flavor.
4. Bake Until Golden & Crispy
Wrap in foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, then unwrap and bake uncovered for another 5-7 minutes to get that perfect golden crust.
5. Slice & Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into thick, hearty pieces. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping or a side of extra melted butter.
Variations & Customizations
| Variation | How to Make It |
| Spicy Jalapeño Mac & Cheese Bread | Add sliced jalapeños to the mac and cheese for a spicy kick. |
| Truffle Mac & Cheese Bread | Drizzle with truffle oil after baking for a gourmet twist. |
| Bacon Lovers’ Version | Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch. |
| Buffalo Mac & Cheese Bread | Toss the mac and cheese with buffalo sauce before assembling. |
| Four Cheese Version | Use a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda, and Parmesan for extra depth of flavor. |
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese Garlic Bread?
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, try pairing it with:
- A Crisp Green Salad – Balances the richness with fresh flavors.
- Tomato Basil Soup – A classic pairing for a comforting meal.
- Grilled Chicken or Steak – For added protein and contrast.
- Garlic Butter Roasted Veggies – Complements the flavors while keeping it balanced.
Craving more comfort food mashups? Try our Crack Chicken Noodle Soup—rich, creamy, and irresistibly good!
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Mac and Cheese Meets Garlic Bread – The Ultimate Mashup
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Garlic Bread:
- 1 loaf French or Italian bread
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for layering
Instructions
Make the Creamy Mac and Cheese
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese, then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Let cool slightly to thicken.
Prepare the Garlic Bread Base
- Slice French bread in half lengthwise. Mix melted butter, minced garlic, and parsley, then brush over both halves of the bread. Toast in the oven at 375°F for 5 minutes until slightly crispy.
Assemble the Mac and Cheese Garlic Bread
- Spread the cooled mac and cheese over one half of the bread. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese, then place the second half of the bread on top, creating a sandwich-like effect. Brush the top with extra garlic butter.
Bake Until Golden & Crispy
- Wrap in foil and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes, then unwrap and bake uncovered for another 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
Slice & Serve
- Let cool slightly before slicing into thick pieces. Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping or extra melted butter.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the mac and cheese.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought mac and cheese?
A: Yes! Just make sure it’s thick and creamy so it stays in place.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble everything, wrap in foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Q: What’s the best bread to use?
A: French bread or Italian bread works best as they’re sturdy and crisp up nicely.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or smoked Gouda are great options.
Save This Recipe for Later
This Mac and Cheese Garlic Bread Mashup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together two iconic dishes into one unforgettable bite. Whether you make it for game day, a family dinner, or just because you love cheese, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Save this recipe to your “Comfort Food Favorites” board on Pinterest so you can make it anytime the craving hits!
