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Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 132 reviews

This Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese recipe delivers a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella, enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Topped with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb crust, it’s baked to bubbly perfection for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

Cheese 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
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Topping

  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain thoroughly; do not rinse. Set aside to maintain starch for better sauce adhesion.
  2. Make Roux: In the same pot, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a pale, nutty roux forms, which will thicken the cheese sauce.
  3. Prepare Cheese Sauce Base: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. Season and Melt Cheeses: Whisk in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses, whisking continuously until completely melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  5. Assemble Mac & Cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is well-coated. Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  6. Add Crispy Topping: In a bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this panko mixture evenly over the mac and cheese to create a golden, crispy crust when baked.
  7. Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy baked mac and cheese.

Notes

  • Do not rinse pasta after draining to help the sauce adhere better.
  • Using a combination of cheeses creates a complex, richer flavor and smoother melt.
  • The smoked paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky depth to the cheese sauce.
  • Resting the dish after baking allows the sauce to thicken and makes serving easier.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

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

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/crispy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/