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Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Ultimate Creamy Texture Easy and Perfect

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A baked mac and cheese recipe featuring a perfectly crispy breadcrumb topping and a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Ideal for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces or 225 grams)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 4 ounces or 115 grams)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 100 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about 2 minutes until bubbly and golden but not browned.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups warmed whole milk while whisking vigorously to keep the sauce smooth. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Optionally add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne.
  5. Gradually mix in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella, stirring gently until melted and creamy.
  6. Transfer the cooked macaroni to a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and fold gently until every piece is coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently until breadcrumbs are golden and toasted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  8. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb topping over the surface.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is crispy and golden and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta initially; it will finish cooking in the oven. Toast breadcrumbs in butter before topping to prevent sogginess and add flavor. If sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of milk. Tent with foil if breadcrumbs brown too quickly. Freshly shred cheese for best melt and flavor.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/crispy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-ultimate-creamy-texture-easy-and-perfect/