Save to Pinterest A comforting casserole featuring creamy macaroni and cheese topped with fluffy buttery chive biscuits baked until golden brown—a perfect family meal or potluck favorite.
I first made this mac and cheese chive biscuit bake for a rainy weekend family dinner and it was an instant hit with everyone. There is something special about the combination of creamy pasta and tender biscuits that makes every bite truly cozy.
Ingredients
- Pasta & Cheese Sauce: 340 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 225 g (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese grated, 60 g (1/2 cup) Gruyère or mozzarella cheese grated
- Chive Biscuit Topping: 190 g (1 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 60 g (1/4 cup) cold unsalted butter cubed, 120 ml (1/2 cup) whole milk (plus extra if needed), 2 tbsp fresh chives finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly grease a 23x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni:
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Milk & Season:
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard garlic powder pepper and salt. Cook stirring until the sauce thickens 4–5 minutes.
- Finish Sauce:
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine & Layer:
- Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Chive Biscuit Dough:
- For the biscuit topping: In a bowl whisk flour baking powder and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix & Add Biscuits:
- Stir in milk and chives until just combined (do not overmix). If dough is too dry add a splash more milk.
- Top & Bake:
- Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the biscuits are golden and cooked through and the filling is bubbling.
- Finish & Serve:
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest The first time we served this at a family gathering the kids rushed for seconds and even picky eaters wanted the recipe. Sharing this dish together always brings smiles around the table.
Recipe Notes & Variations
For extra richness add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce. Swap chives for green onions or parsley to suit your taste preferences and try adding cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This bake pairs perfectly with a crisp salad and a glass of white wine for a balanced meal. For a heartier feast serve alongside roasted vegetables or a simple tomato soup.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 480 calories 22 g total fat 53 g carbohydrates and 18 g protein making it satisfying without being overly heavy.
Save to Pinterest This casserole is sure to become a comfort food favorite. Enjoy every warm cheesy bite with loved ones!
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, swap Gruyère for mozzarella or cheddar. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses.
- → How do I make the biscuits fluffier?
Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough. This keeps the biscuits tender and helps them rise.
- → Can I add other herbs?
Chives can be replaced with green onions or parsley for a different flavor. Customize with your preferred herbs.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it is vegetarian as written. Skip meat additions like bacon to maintain vegetarian status.
- → What sides pair well?
A light green salad and crisp white wine complement this bake, balancing its rich, savory flavors.
- → Can I prepare this ahead?
Assemble in advance and bake when ready. Refrigerate covered, then allow a few extra minutes for baking from cold.