Back to Recipes
Baked Mac & Cheese with Garden Herbs

USA

Baked Mac & Cheese with Garden Herbs

A creamy comfort-food classic elevated with fresh homegrown herbs.

~55 mintotal~1165 kcalper serving~45g protein~69g carbs~81g fat

Estimated. Worked out from the ingredients using the UK food composition tables, so treat it as a guide rather than a measurement. A typical recipe lands within about a quarter of the true figure. Makes about 3.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda, jack, or mix)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • ½ cup cream (optional)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp mustard powder (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives
  • Salt & pepper
  • Optional: breadcrumbs, thyme, paprika

Cooking Steps

  1. Cook pasta

    Boil macaroni until al dente.

  2. Make roux

    Melt butter, whisk in flour, cook until lightly golden.

  3. Add milk

    Slowly add milk and cream; whisk to thicken.

  4. Add cheese

    Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheese.

  5. Combine

    Mix cheese sauce with pasta. Add herbs and seasonings.

  6. Bake

    Transfer to baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes (or broil for crisp top).

  7. Serve

    Garnish with additional herbs.

Optional Enhancements

  • Herb-forward: add thyme or rosemary
  • Crispy topping: buttered breadcrumbs
  • Veggie mac: add roasted butternut, broccoli, or peas
  • Smoky: add smoked paprika or smoked cheese

Plant & Growing Tips

Parsley

  • Biennial but grown as annual.
  • Prefers full sun to partial shade.
  • Water consistently.

Chives

  • Hardy perennial; grows in clumps.
  • Excellent for edging garden beds.
  • Harvest often for tender leaves.

Thyme (optional)

  • Drought-tolerant perennial.
  • Thrives in full sun.
  • Great for containers.

Garlic (optional)

  • Plant in fall; harvest mid-summer.
  • Stores well for year-round use.

Natural Pest Control

  • Chives repel aphids, mites, and some beetles.
  • Parsley attracts beneficial predatory insects.
  • Thyme deters cabbage worms and whiteflies.
  • Neem oil safe for herb crops when used lightly.

Harvest

Parsley

  • Cut outer leaves; keep crown intact.

Chives

  • Snip leaves 1–2 inches above soil; regrow quickly.

Thyme

  • Harvest sprigs anytime.

Storing & Freezing

Stores 3–4 days refrigerated. Freeze up to 2 months (thaw before reheating).

More recipes

See all ›
75 minAmericanApple Pie~319 kcal~8g protein55 minAmericanNew England Clam Chowder (Garden Version)~239 kcal~11g protein145 minAmericanBeef Stew with Root Vegetables (Midwest Style)~255 kcal~28g protein65 minAmericanButternut Squash Soup~240 kcal~3g protein20 minAmericanHomemade Salsa Trio (Mild, Medium, Hot)~7 kcal~0g protein80 minAmericanHomemade Chili~194 kcal~9g protein40 minAmericanSourdough Biscuits with Herb ButterRecipe35 minAmericanCornbread & Honey Butter~213 kcal~7g protein50 minAmericanPeach Cobbler~189 kcal~5g protein40 minAmericanGarden Vegetable Pizza~439 kcal~19g protein75 minAmericanSouthern Collard Greens~81 kcal~10g proteinAmericanGrilled Zucchini Boats with Tomato-Basil Topping~132 kcal~3g protein

Make this easier with Visionary

Scan any food in secondsPoint your camera at a meal or label and log it. No weighing, no database hunting.The best MyFitnessPal alternativesFive apps compared on tracking, training and coaching, not just calorie counting.