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Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping Recipe

Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 16 reviews

This Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping is a comforting, creamy baked pasta dish featuring a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses enveloping tender elbow macaroni. Topped with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb crust enhanced with Parmesan and smoked paprika, it delivers a perfect combination of gooey cheese and irresistible crunch. Ideal for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks, this recipe is easy to make and customizable for various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Crispy Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
  3. Make the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to form a smooth roux, which thickens the cheese sauce.
  4. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a creamy sauce consistency, approximately 5–7 minutes.
  5. Season Sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Remove the pan from heat.
  6. Melt Cheeses: Add shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce. Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
  7. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni gently into the cheese sauce until fully coated, ensuring even distribution.
  8. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and smoked paprika (if using) to create a flavorful, crunchy topping.
  9. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the mac and cheese.
  10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
  11. Optional Broil: For extra crispiness, broil the dish for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Notes

  • For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
  • Add cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or sausage to increase protein content and flavor variety.
  • Substitute cheeses like smoked Gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and panko alternatives if gluten intolerance is a concern.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk in the microwave or in a 350°F oven to re-crisp the topping.
  • Watch carefully when broiling to avoid burning the breadcrumb topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, crispy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, macaroni and cheese recipe, panko breadcrumb topping

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-with-crispy-topping-recipe/