Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe
Introduction
Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta for a rich and satisfying meal. This classic recipe bakes to golden perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until smooth.
- Step 3: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 5: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
- Mix in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed vegetables for added flavor.
- Use a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack to deepen the flavor profile.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Storage
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess and prevent drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make mac and cheese without baking it?
Yes, you can skip the baking step and serve it immediately after mixing the pasta with the cheese sauce for a quicker, stovetop version.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded, and add it off the heat to the warm sauce. Stir gently to melt the cheese evenly without overheating.
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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A classic creamy and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs for a golden finish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk as the mixture heats and thickens slightly into a creamy béchamel sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth, forming the cheese sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until the pasta is well coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a dash of paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for a smoother melt.
- Make sure to watch the breadcrumbs towards the end of baking to avoid burning.
- If you prefer a creamier mac and cheese without baking, you can skip the breadcrumb topping and oven step.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheddar mac and cheese, comfort food, pasta casserole
