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Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Easy Golden Breadcrumb Topping

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A warm and comforting baked mac and cheese with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 12 ounces)
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (about 4 ounces)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (about 100 grams)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook for about 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until smooth and slightly nutty.
  4. Gradually pour in 3 cups of warmed whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded Gruyère until melted and smooth. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon onion powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Pour the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  7. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in the melted butter until evenly coated.
  8. Transfer the cheesy macaroni into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and the topping to stay crisp.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting. Toss breadcrumbs in melted butter before baking for a golden, crispy topping. Warm the milk before adding to the roux to avoid lumps. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil. Let the dish rest 5-10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, crispy breadcrumb topping, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, baked macaroni and cheese

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