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Ella Cooks

Baked Feta Mac & Cheese with Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs

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This is mac & cheese with a major upgrade. Inspired by the TikTok-famous baked feta pasta, my version combines a creamy roasted feta cheese base with melty mozzarella and sharp cheddar, all stirred into tender pasta shells. But what takes it over the top? That buttery, garlicky, golden breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect crunch to every bite. It’s easy to make, extra creamy, and perfectly balanced between tangy, savory, and rich. Whether you’re serving it as a holiday side, a weeknight main, or a bring-to-the-party dish, this mac & cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese Base:
  • 1 block 8 oz feta cheese
  • ½ lb 8 oz short pasta (shells, elbows, or cavatappi)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp chili flakes optional
For the Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs:
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp chopped parsley optional

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Small skillet for breadcrumbs
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
    Step 1: Cook the Pasta
    1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    2. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
    3. While the pasta cooks, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    Step 2: Bake the Feta & Garlic
    1. In the center of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, place the block of feta cheese.
    2. Scatter minced garlic around it and drizzle with olive oil.
    3. Bake for 15 minutes, until the feta is soft and just starting to brown on top.
    Step 3: Stir It All Together
    1. Remove from oven and immediately stir the softened feta and garlic to create a creamy base.
    2. Add in the milk, cooked pasta, mozzarella, cheddar, black pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
    3. Mix well until everything is creamy and well combined.
    4. 💡 At this stage, taste and adjust—add a bit more milk if you’d like it looser or cheesier.
    Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs
    1. While the pasta bakes, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
    3. Stir in panko, a pinch of salt, and toast until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes.
    4. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley if using.
    Step 5: Top & Bake
    1. Sprinkle the garlic butter breadcrumbs evenly over the mac & cheese.
    2. Bake for an additional 10–12 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
    3. Let cool slightly before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 520kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 19gFat: 32gFiber: 2g

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