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Crispy Baked Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe with Perfect Golden Crust

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A quick and easy baked mac and cheese with a crispy golden crust and creamy, cheesy interior. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 12 ounces)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 4 ounces)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 50 grams)
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1 ounce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter your 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for about 7 minutes, 1-2 minutes less than package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour constantly for about 2 minutes until a bubbling, golden paste forms.
  4. Slowly pour in 3 cups of warm whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Stir in yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add a splash more milk if sauce is too thick.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and combine with panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
  9. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  11. Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help it set.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly, tent foil over the dish halfway through baking. Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Use freshly shredded cheese for better meltiness. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, flour substitute, and panko. Variations include adding vegetables, spicy elements, or dairy-free substitutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheddar mac and cheese, crispy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, family dinner

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/crispy-baked-cheddar-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-perfect-golden-crust/