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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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