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Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Perfect Golden Breadcrumb Topping

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A creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese with a crispy golden breadcrumb topping that delivers a perfect texture contrast. Easy to make and perfect for cozy dinners or family meals.

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
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes without browning.
  3. Slowly pour in warmed whole milk while whisking continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Add yellow mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Gently fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  6. In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 8×8 inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until topping is golden brown and crispy and edges are bubbling.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Warm the milk before adding to the roux to avoid lumps. Toast the Panko breadcrumbs in melted butter for the best crunchy topping. Watch the oven carefully to prevent breadcrumbs from burning; tent with foil if needed. Let the dish rest 5 minutes after baking to thicken the sauce. For gluten-free or dairy-free versions, substitute ingredients as noted in the recipe.

Nutrition

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

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