Copycat Boston Market Mac And Cheese

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese, and when it’s inspired by the beloved Boston Market version, you know you’re in for a treat! My recipe for Copycat Boston Market Mac And Cheese brings that rich, velvety goodness right into your home kitchen, making it the perfect side dish or even a satisfying meal on its own.

What makes this recipe special is the perfect blend of cheeses that create that signature flavor everyone craves. It’s all about achieving that creamy texture while balancing the richness with just the right seasonings. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be transported back to those cozy family dinners. Plus, it’s super easy to make, so you can whip it up whenever you need a little comfort food fix. This dish is sure to become a household favorite, delighting both kids and adults alike!

Ingredient Notes

Making a delicious Copycat Boston Market Mac And Cheese starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can substitute with cavatappi or shells for a different shape.
Cheeses: The key to a creamy mac and cheese is a blend of cheeses. Use sharp cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for creaminess, and a touch of parmesan for depth. If you prefer, you can substitute with gouda or Monterey Jack.
Milk and Cream: A combination of whole milk and heavy cream gives the dish its rich texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use 2% milk and half-and-half.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal for controlling the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based butter.
Seasonings: A blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder brings out the flavor. Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne for a kick or some dried herbs like thyme for added aroma.
Breadcrumbs: For that signature crispy topping, use regular or panko breadcrumbs. You can also substitute with crushed crackers or make it gluten-free with almond flour.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the cooking process for this Copycat Boston Market Mac And Cheese!

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, usually around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux.
Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Incorporate the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add in 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated and combined.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
Make the Topping: In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve: Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish warm!

Tips & Suggestions

Here are some tips to elevate your Copycat Boston Market Mac And Cheese:

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A mix of pepper jack and gouda can add a nice flavor twist.
Vegetable Add-ins: If you want to incorporate some vegetables, consider adding steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for a nutritious boost.
Extra Creaminess: If you prefer an even creamier texture, consider stirring in some cream cheese or sour cream into the cheese sauce.
Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance. Just assemble everything and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re baking it straight from the fridge.

Storage

Storing leftovers of your Copycat Boston Market Mac And Cheese is easy:

Refrigeration: Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for about 3-5 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the mac and cheese for up to 2-3 months. To do this, make sure it’s well-sealed in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You may want to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

With these steps and tips, you’ll be able to recreate the comforting flavors of Boston Market’s famous mac and cheese right in your own kitchen. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!

Final Thoughts

If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy goodness, then the Copycat Boston Market Mac And Cheese is a recipe you absolutely must try! This dish brings that nostalgic comfort food right to your kitchen, capturing the rich flavors and velvety texture that we all crave. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just when you’re in need of a cozy meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, so you can whip it up any time the mood strikes. I hope you give the Copycat Boston Market Mac And Cheese a go—you won’t be disappointed! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Delicious Copycat Boston Market Mac And Cheese Recipe!

Print Recipe

This Copycat Boston Market Mac And Cheese brings rich, velvety goodness right into your home kitchen. It’s the perfect side dish or a satisfying meal on its own, sure to delight both kids and adults alike!

Author: Bluebella
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Elbow macaroni
Sharp cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Salt
Pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cayenne (optional)
Dried herbs (optional)
Breadcrumbs

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, usually around 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and add in 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated and combined.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish warm!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 500
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 50 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 20 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add vegetables like steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach, or stir in cream cheese or sour cream for extra creaminess. This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.