Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe

Introduction

This Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce with a crunchy golden crust. It’s perfect as a hearty dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish for any occasion.

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 your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then 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 1 minute to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream. Continue stirring and cook until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Step 5: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
6. Step 6: Add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce. Stir until completely smooth and melted.
7. Step 7: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then transfer the mixture evenly to the prepared baking dish.
8. Step 8: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika if using.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the topping is golden and the dish is bubbling. For an extra crispy crust, broil for 2–3 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Tips & Variations

• Use a blend of cheeses for a richer flavor; feel free to substitute Gouda or Fontina for Gruyère.
• If you prefer a lighter topping, reduce the butter in the breadcrumb mixture.
• For a smoky twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
• Try stirring cooked bacon or caramelized onions into the mac and cheese before baking for added depth.

Storage

Store leftover baked mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. The topping may lose some crispness on reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other pasta shapes instead of elbow macaroni?

Yes, other short pasta like shells, cavatappi, or penne work well in baked mac and cheese. Just be sure to cook them until al dente so they hold their shape after baking.

How do I prevent the topping from burning?

Keep an eye on the mac and cheese during the last few minutes of baking and broiling. If the topping browns too quickly, tent the dish with foil to protect it while the inside continues to cook.

Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 113 reviews

This creamy Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping is a comforting classic made with rich cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses. It features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, topped with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb crust that adds a delightful crunch. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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 and ensure easy serving.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make Roux: 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, which will thicken the sauce.
4. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
5. Season Sauce: Stir in salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for balanced flavor. Remove the sauce from heat.
6. Add Cheeses: Gradually add cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is well coated, then transfer this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
8. Prepare Topping: In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika to create a flavorful, crispy topping.
9. Add Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden and the dish is bubbling around the edges.
10. Crisp the Topping: For extra crunch, broil the baked dish for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For added depth, consider mixing in cooked bacon or caramelized onions before baking.
• Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting quality and flavor.
• To make ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, crispy topping, cheddar cheese, comfort food, pasta casserole, homemade mac and cheese