Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe
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.
- 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
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 Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- 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.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Season Sauce: Stir in salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for balanced flavor. Remove the sauce from heat.
- Add Cheeses: Gradually add cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- 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.
- Prepare Topping: In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika to create a flavorful, crispy topping.
- 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.
- 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
