Mac and Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread

If you’re ready for the ultimate comfort food mash-up, Mac and Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread is the viral-worthy recipe your taste buds have been waiting for. It’s every carb lover’s dream — buttery, garlicky bread overflowing with creamy, gooey mac and cheese.

This recipe takes two iconic comfort foods — rich mac and cheese and warm garlic bread — and turns them into one over-the-top, totally indulgent dish that’s crispy on the outside, cheesy in the middle, and bursting with buttery flavor.

Perfect for movie nights, parties, or cozy weekends, this creation is as fun to make as it is to eat. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone stop scrolling, lean in, and say “I need that.”

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Viral-worthy: It looks incredible, tastes even better, and photographs beautifully.

• Comfort overload: Buttery garlic bread meets creamy mac and cheese — enough said.

• Party favorite: Ideal for sharing, slicing, or serving on a game-day platter.

• No complicated steps: You can make it from scratch or use shortcuts.

• Customizable: Add veggies, spice, or different cheeses for your own twist.

This is not just food — it’s a food moment.

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Ingredients

For the Garlic Bread

• 1 large loaf French bread or Italian bread (about 14–16 inches)

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic paste)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (optional, for extra garlicky crust)

For the Mac and Cheese Filling

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or shells, cavatappi, penne)

• 2 ½ cups whole milk

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon flour

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup cream cheese (for extra creaminess)

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ons

• Extra parmesan or shredded cheese for topping

• Red pepper flakes for spice

• Chopped green onions for garnish

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Equipment

• Large pot for cooking pasta

• Saucepan for cheese sauce

• Baking sheet lined with foil

• Bread knife

• Small bowl for garlic butter

• Brush or spoon for spreading butter

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How to Make Mac and Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente — slightly firm.

3. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.

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Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.

2. Whisk in flour to form a light roux and cook for 1 minute.

3. Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

4. Add cream cheese, whisking until melted.

5. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese, a handful at a time, until fully melted and creamy.

6. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

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Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.

2. Stir well to coat every piece evenly.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning.

4. Set aside to cool slightly (you want the mac and cheese thick, not runny).

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Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Bread

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Slice the loaf of French bread lengthwise (like a sandwich roll), but don’t cut all the way through — leave one long edge connected like a hinge.

3. In a bowl, mix softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and parmesan.

4. Spread the mixture generously on the inside of both halves of the bread.

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Step 5: Stuff the Bread

1. Spoon the mac and cheese into the hollow of the loaf, packing it in tightly.

2. Close the loaf gently, pressing slightly to secure the filling.

3. Wrap the entire loaf in foil, leaving the top slightly open so it can crisp up.

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Step 6: Bake Until Golden

1. Place the loaf on a baking sheet.

2. Bake for 15–20 minutes, until the bread is toasted and the cheese filling is bubbling.

3. For an extra crispy top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end — just keep an eye on it.

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Step 7: Slice and Serve

• Let it cool for about 5 minutes to set.

• Slice into thick, shareable pieces.

• Sprinkle with extra parsley, parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Get ready for melty, garlicky perfection with every bite.

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Why This Recipe Works

It’s all about the balance of texture and flavor. The crisp, buttery garlic bread shell contrasts perfectly with the creamy, gooey mac and cheese inside. The garlic butter soaks slightly into the bread, infusing each bite with savory richness while keeping the outside crisp.

The mac and cheese — made with a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese — stays thick and luscious, never runny. Together, it’s pure carb harmony.

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Tips for the Perfect Stuffed Garlic Bread

• Cool your mac slightly before stuffing: If it’s too hot or runny, it can leak out.

• Use sturdy bread: Choose French or Italian bread with a firm crust to hold the filling.

• Double butter layer: Brush a little garlic butter on the outside of the loaf before baking for an extra golden crust.

• Make it cheesy: Add a sprinkle of extra mozzarella on top before baking for gooey pull-apart texture.

• Slice after cooling slightly: Helps the filling stay in place when serving.

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Flavor Variations

Spicy Mac Garlic Bread

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a hint of cayenne to the cheese sauce.

Four Cheese Garlic Bread

Mix in gouda, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar for deeper flavor.

Veggie Version

Add roasted red peppers, spinach, or caramelized onions into the mac before stuffing.

Protein Boost

Stir in cooked chicken, turkey, or shrimp to make it a full meal.

Mini Party Sliders

Slice small dinner rolls in half, fill each with mac and cheese, brush with garlic butter, and bake. Perfect for parties or snacks!

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Serving Ideas

This recipe can be served as:

• A fun party appetizer (cut into smaller pieces).

• A main dish with a salad or roasted vegetables.

• A side dish alongside soup, chili, or BBQ.

• A midnight snack — because who can resist warm garlic bread filled with cheese?

Pair it with:

• Tomato soup or creamy broccoli soup

• Crispy chicken tenders

• Fresh green salad with zesty vinaigrette

• Roasted veggies for balance

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Make Ahead & Storage

To Make Ahead:

• Make the mac and cheese up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.

• When ready to bake, stuff it into fresh bread, butter it up, and bake as directed.

To Store:

• Wrap leftovers tightly in foil and refrigerate up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.

• Air fryer: Heat at 350°F for 4–5 minutes for crispy edges.

• Avoid microwaving — it softens the bread.

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Common Questions

Can I use store-bought mac and cheese?
Yes! Use your favorite brand or leftovers for a quick shortcut.

What kind of bread works best?
French or Italian loaves work best because they’re sturdy and crusty. Avoid soft sandwich bread.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese substitutes.

Can I freeze it?
You can freeze the stuffed loaf (before baking) for up to a month. Wrap tightly in foil, thaw overnight, then bake until heated through.

How spicy is it?
This recipe isn’t spicy, but you can make it bold with chili flakes or pepper jack cheese.

Can I add garlic butter on top too?
Absolutely — brush extra garlic butter over the top halfway through baking for glossy, flavorful crust.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

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Why It’s Worth the Hype

This isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience. The buttery scent of garlic bread, the golden crust crackling as you slice, and that first reveal of creamy mac inside — it’s pure joy.

It’s perfect for anyone who loves over-the-top comfort food but still wants something simple and fun to make. Every element of this dish — from the cheesy center to the crispy crust — is designed to make you smile.

It’s no wonder this recipe feels like a TikTok and Pinterest dream come true — shareable, drool-worthy, and impossible not to crave.