Roasted Garlic and Thyme Mac n’ Cheese

Roasted Garlic and Thyme Mac n’ Cheese is every bit as creamy and decadent as a good mac n’ cheese should be. With the added deliciousness of sweet roasted garlic and peppery thyme. 

If you love creamy, cheesy, herby, garlicky goodness you are going to fall head over heels in love with this macaroni and cheese. I did. And it happened again and again with each and every bite.

 This Roasted Garlic and Thyme Mac n’ Cheese is every bit as decadent as it sounds. There is so much flavor happening. Sweet roasted garlic. Peppery thyme. Pepper jack and cheddar cheeses. 

Let’s talk about everything you’ll need to make it. 

Roasted Garlic and Thyme Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients: 

You’ll need a handful of ingredients to make this macaroni and cheese. Most of which you’ll probably have on hand already. 

• ELBOW MACARONI: While elbow macaroni is traditional with macaroni and cheese, you can use any kind of short pasta that you prefer. Shells would be great as would cavatappi or fusilli. 
• WHOLE MILK: Whole milk is going to help give you the perfectly creamy sauce. Fat free or reduced fat milk will be less. 
• BUTTER: Adds decadence to the sauce and helps make the roux. You will also use it to roast the garlic. 
• OLIVE OIL: Will help roast the garlic. 
• GARLIC: I use a whole head of garlic in this recipe. If you want even more garlic flavor, double it up. Garlic lovers will be happy you did. 
• FLOUR: Helps create the roux and thicken the sauce. 
• CHEDDAR CHEESE: For the smoothest results, I recommend shredding the cheese yourself. 
• PEPPER JACK CHEESE: This adds a touch of spiciness to the sauce, you can also use Monterey jack cheese instead. 
• EGG: The idea of putting an egg into macaroni n’ cheese is one that I’ve heard many times before.  Adding egg makes the sauce a bit richer. The egg gives the cheese sauce an ultra creamy texture.  The key is to temper the egg with the hot milk mixture before you add it to the sauce. Tempering prevents the egg from curdling. 
• THYME: Thyme is one of my favorite herbs. It is an earthy, peppery flavor that pairs so well with so many different recipes. I use fresh in this recipe but you can also use dried. Simply remember the ratio 1 tablespoon fresh herbs = 2 teaspoons dried. 
• SALT AND PEPPER 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

Making homemade macaroni and cheese is actually pretty easy! Follow along with these step by step photos and instructions. 

• STEP #1: Cut 1/4 inch off the top of the bulb of garlic to expose the cloves beneath, but do not peel the garlic, you want to roast it in the skin. Place bulb on a piece of aluminum foil, place butter on top and sprinkle with kosher salt. Bring up all sides of aluminum foil and twist together to close. Cook for 40 – 45 minutes or until garlic cloves are soft and golden in color. Allow to cool. Once cool, use a fork to remove the garlic cloves. Mash. Set aside.
• STEP #2: Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. 
• STEP #3: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Allow to cook for one minute. Slowly whisk in the milk. Heat to a simmer but do not boil. It will start to thicken slightly.
• STEP #4: Slowly whisk a couple tablespoons of the heated milk mixture into the egg to temper it. Pour into the milk mixture.
• STEP #5: Whisk in the cheese and allow to melt. Whisk in the mashed roasted garlic, fresh thyme, black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir in the pasta. Mix well. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes so sauce can thicken. 
• STEP #6: Stir, adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve immediately. Sauce will thicken as it cools. 

Storage and Leftovers: 

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Reheat slowly over heat. You might need to add a little milk to make it creamy again. 

Looking for more Macaroni and Cheese Recipes? I’ve got you covered! 

Oven Baked Macaroni And Cheese is a classic comfort food side dish. This easy mac n’ cheese recipe is creamy and cheesy, topped with bread crumbs and baked.

Havarti Dill and Bacon Mac n’ Cheese is every bit as delicious as it sounds. With smoky bacon and tangy dill its a bright and cheesy mac and cheese everyone will love! 

The Best Stovetop Mac and Cheese is made with three different cheeses and done on the stovetop. It’s creamy, cheesy and destined to be a family favorite! 

Note: Originally published 2012. Updated with new photos, an improved recipe, step by step photos and nutrition information in 2026.