Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese is a comforting classic with a perfectly golden, crunchy topping and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This recipe balances sharp cheddar and Gruyère for deep flavor, making it a beloved dish for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain thoroughly; do not rinse. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, melt 5 tablespoons 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.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-8 minutes). Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Whisk in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded Gruyère, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, whisking until smooth and fully melted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Step 5: Preheat 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 coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
6. Step 6: In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the panko topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25-30 minutes, uncovered, until bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in a little cream cheese or mascarpone into the cheese sauce before baking.
• Mix in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a savory twist.
• Use a mix of cheeses that melt well like Fontina or Monterey Jack for variation.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to keep the pasta al dente.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the mac and cheese, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 60 reviews

• Author: Ella
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce made from a combination of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella, enhanced with subtle spices and baked to bubbly perfection. An irresistible comfort food classic elevated with a crisp, buttery panko crust.

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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
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Crispy Topping

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

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain thoroughly; do not rinse. Set aside to maintain starchiness which helps sauce adhere.
2. Make Roux: In the same pot, melt 5 tbsp 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 to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until thickened to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-8 minutes). Remove from heat to prevent curdling.
4. Season and Melt Cheeses: Whisk in 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika if using. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded Gruyère, and 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, whisking until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Assemble Mac & Cheese: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated thoroughly. Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. Add Crispy Topping: In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs with 3 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese to create a golden crust.
7. Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let rest for 10-15 minutes to set before serving. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, crispy comfort dish.

Notes

• For best results, do not rinse the pasta after boiling to keep the starch that helps the sauce stick.
• You can substitute milk with 2% milk for a lighter option but the sauce will be less rich.
• Feel free to add cooked bacon or herbs like thyme for extra flavor.
• Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated and can be reheated covered with foil to retain moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, crispy mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake