Mac and Cheese Garlic Dough (Printable Version)

Fluffy golden dough balls filled with cheesy macaroni and brushed in aromatic garlic butter. Perfect for sharing.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Dough

01 - 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon instant yeast
03 - 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
04 - 1 teaspoon salt
05 - 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon warm water
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Mac and Cheese Filling

07 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 - 1 cup whole milk
11 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
12 - 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garlic Butter

16 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
17 - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
18 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
19 - Pinch of salt

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a large bowl, blend flour, instant yeast, sugar, and salt evenly. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
02 - Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 5 to 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover, and set aside in a warm location until doubled, approximately 1 hour.
03 - Boil elbow macaroni in salted water following package instructions. Drain and reserve. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and blend in cheddar, parmesan, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth. Fold in cooked macaroni and cool to room temperature.
04 - Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Deflate risen dough and divide into 16 equal portions.
05 - Flatten each dough piece into a disc. Place a generous tablespoon of mac and cheese filling in the center, gather edges to seal, and form into a ball. Arrange seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
06 - Brush dough balls lightly with olive oil and bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown.
07 - Mix melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and salt in a small bowl. Brush the hot dough balls liberally with garlic butter immediately after removing from the oven.
08 - Serve the dough balls warm, garnished with extra grated parmesan and chopped parsley as desired.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Simple pantry ingredients make the dough and filling so you can make these anytime
  • Ultimate snack appeal they are perfect for parties or family movie nights
  • Vegetarian and crowd-pleasing kids and adults always reach for seconds
02 -
  • High protein and fiber thanks to the real cheese and whole milk
  • Perfect as game day snacks or passed appetizers at parties
  • Can freeze assembled but unbaked dough balls for quick future snacks
03 -
  • For an extra golden crust use an egg wash instead of olive oil Brush generously
  • Stuff in some extra cheese right with the macaroni for an even gooier center
  • Use fresh garlic in the butter not powder for the most aromatic finish

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