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Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: Easy Baked Topping for Best Comfort Food

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This creamy macaroni and cheese features a silky cheese sauce and a crispy baked panko topping, delivering pure comfort food nostalgia in every bite. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in, it’s quick to prepare and easily adaptable for dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni (about 3 cups dry)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, but recommended)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (or Swiss cheese)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter.
  4. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
  5. Slowly whisk in 3 cups milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cook, whisking, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Combine drained macaroni and cheese sauce in a large bowl or pot. Stir gently to coat.
  10. If mixture is too thick, add a splash more milk.
  11. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
  12. Lightly butter a 3-quart or 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour macaroni mixture into dish and smooth top.
  13. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly over macaroni.
  14. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until topping is golden and sauce bubbles.
  15. Broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crunch, watching closely.
  16. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese and use panko for the topping. You can substitute gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version. Prep ahead and bake just before serving for maximum crunch. Add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much. Customize with different cheeses, veggies, or spices to suit your taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, casserole, easy dinner, kid friendly, potluck, cheese sauce, crispy topping

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