Middle Eastern Inspired Mac and Cheese with Baharat and Za’atar

Take your classic mac and cheese to the next level with this Easy Spiced Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy pasta is infused with warm, aromatic Baharat spice, and topped with a crunchy Za’atar breadcrumb crumble for a Middle Eastern twist.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday sides, or comfort food with a flavor upgrade, this recipe comes together in under 45 minutes and will wow anyone who loves bold, savory flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 45 minutes.
Flavor-Packed: Baharat adds warm, smoky spice while Za’atar brings a bright herbal crunch.
Comfort Food with a Twist: Creamy, cheesy, and slightly exotic.
Perfect for Holidays: A standout side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or cozy fall dinners.
Make it even easier: See alternate instructions for upgrading your box mac n cheese for Friendsgiving.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Mac and Cheese:

12 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups milk (whole milk preferred)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Gruyère or mozzarella cheese
1 ½ tsp Afia Baharat 7 Spice Mediterranean Spice Blend
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Za’atar Breadcrumb Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ tsp Afia Za’atar Mediterranean Spice Blend
Optional: pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add shredded cheeses, Baharat, salt, and pepper. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Prepare the breadcrumb topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Za’atar. (Tip: you can also blend up croissants or your favorite bread to make your own breadcrumbs!)
- Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese in a baking dish.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Serve: Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy this spiced, cheesy comfort food!

Tips for the Perfect Spiced Mac and Cheese

Adjust the Baharat: Start with 1 ½ tsp and add more for a stronger spice profile.
Cheese Mix: Gruyère adds a nutty flavor; mozzarella makes it gooey.
Breadcrumb Crunch: For extra crunch, broil the topping for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Make Ahead: Assemble ahead of time and bake just before serving.

Why This Recipe Works

The warm, aromatic Baharat spice transforms classic mac and cheese into a cozy, sophisticated dish, while the Za’atar breadcrumb topping adds a vibrant, herby crunch that elevates every bite. It’s comfort food with depth—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Alternate Instructions: Upgrade Boxed Mac and Cheese for Friendsgiving

Want a quick, show-stopping version of boxed mac and cheese for Friendsgiving? Simply:

Cook the boxed macaroni as directed.
Stir in Baharat spice (start with 1 tsp) along with the included cheese sauce to give it a warm, aromatic flavor.
Make a Za’atar breadcrumb topping: Toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 1 tsp Za’atar, then sprinkle on top.
Bake for 10–15 minutes at 375°F until golden and crispy.

This trick transforms a simple boxed mac into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish that looks and tastes like a homemade holiday treat—without all the extra work!