Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping Recipe
Introduction
Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping is a comforting classic elevated with a golden, crunchy crust. Creamy cheeses blend perfectly with tender elbow macaroni, making it an irresistible crowd-pleaser. This recipe is ideal for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings.
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
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Step 5: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Step 6: Add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 7: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Step 8: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan (if using), and smoked paprika (if using). Mix well.
- Step 9: Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the topping is golden and the dish is bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Substitute half the cheddar with Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra savory depth.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Mix some Dijon mustard into the cheese sauce to add a subtle tang.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the topping may lose crispness.
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 shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the pasta remains al dente.
How do I prevent the topping from burning?
If the topping browns too quickly in the oven, loosely cover the dish with foil for part of the baking time and then uncover it at the end to crisp up. When broiling, watch carefully and remove as soon as it’s golden.
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Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This classic Baked Mac & Cheese recipe features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, creamy blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses. Topped with a crispy, golden panko breadcrumb crust enhanced with Parmesan and smoky paprika, it’s baked to bubbly perfection, making it an irresistible comfort food favorite.
Ingredients
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
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
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ease serving later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside to prevent it from overcooking during baking.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste and start the thickening process.
- Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture while stirring until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the thickened sauce. Stir well, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Stir in sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce becomes smooth and all the cheese is melted into the mixture.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Transfer this cheesy mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika if using. This mixture will give a crunchy, flavorful crust.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
- Optional Broil for Crispiness: For an extra crunchy topping, switch the oven to broil and cook the mac and cheese for 2 to 3 minutes more, watching carefully to avoid burning. Remove from oven and let sit a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar and Gruyère for a deep, balanced cheese flavor; mozzarella adds creaminess but can be substituted with other mild melting cheeses.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture is best since it will continue to cook in the oven.
- If you prefer a lighter topping, reduce the butter or omit the Parmesan cheese.
- You can prepare this dish in advance and refrigerate before baking; just add extra baking time if baked cold.
- Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions to the cheese sauce for extra flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, crispy topping mac and cheese, comfort food, macaroni and cheese casserole
