Panko Crusted Mac & Cheese with Brie Recipe

How to make Panko Crusted Mac & Cheese with Brie

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).
  2. Grease an oval baking dish (approximately 30cm x 22cm) and set aside.
  3. Empty the contents of all 4 packets of macaroni and cheese into a large saucepan and crumble the chicken stock cubes over the top.
  4. Add the milk, butter, cheddar cheese and paprika and stir to combine. Season with pepper. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium until the pasta is cooked al dente (approximately 8 minutes).         
  5. Pour the pasta into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Tear the brie cheese into 3cm chunks and push the chunks randomly into the mac and cheese.
  7. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs all over the top of the mac and cheese and bake until the top is golden (15-20 minutes).
  8. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh thyme sprigs.
  9. Serve immediately and refrigerate any leftovers.

Tips: Add ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese to the panko bread crumbs for enhanced flavour.
Serve as a side dish with fresh veggies, meat or fish or refrigerate and serve cold (to be taken on a picnic).

Optional: Substitute fresh thyme sprigs for parsley leaves, or substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella cheese.