Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe

Introduction

Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping is a comforting classic elevated with a crunchy, golden crust. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, it’s a perfect meal for any occasion. This recipe promises rich flavors and satisfying textures that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 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
• 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. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Step 5: Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Remove the sauce from heat.
6. Step 6: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and then transfer everything into the prepared baking dish.
8. Step 8: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, and smoked paprika if using.
9. Step 9: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden and the dish is bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil on high for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses like fontina or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Try adding cooked bacon or caramelized onions for added richness and texture.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
• To make the topping extra crispy, toast the panko mixture in a skillet for a few minutes before sprinkling it on top.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Microwaving works for quick reheats but may soften the topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rotini to hold the cheese sauce well.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream adds extra richness and creaminess, but you can use all milk for a lighter version. The sauce may be less thick and rich without cream.

Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 123 reviews

This classic Baked Mac & Cheese recipe features creamy, cheesy macaroni topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses, this comforting dish is perfect as a hearty side or satisfying main course.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 lb elbow macaroni

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

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 and Prepare Dish: 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 it reaches al dente texture. Drain well and set aside.
3. Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to create a smooth roux, which will thicken the sauce.
4. Add Milk and Cream: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the thickened sauce. Remove from heat once combined.
6. Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce becomes smooth and cheesy.
7. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce ensuring an even coating. Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8. Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika for added flavor and color.
9. Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.
10. Bake and Broil: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbling. For an extra crispy topping, broil for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Notes

• For a creamier texture, you can substitute half the whole milk with more heavy cream.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
• Make sure to monitor closely during broiling to prevent the topping from burning.
• Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, crispy topping, comfort food recipe, cheddar mac and cheese