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creamy baked mac and cheese - featured image

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Topping

  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This creamy baked mac and cheese with crispy breadcrumbs is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or holiday spreads.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than the package instructions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden, stirring constantly.
  4. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes.
  5. Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup of Gruyère, and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of ground mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika (optional). Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
  7. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
  10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

[‘Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.’, ‘Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue cooking in the oven.’, ‘Toast breadcrumbs lightly in a skillet for extra crunch.’, ‘Taste and season the sauce generously for balanced flavors.’, ‘Check the dish after 20 minutes to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.’]

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 550
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 13
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 18

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, family dinner, holiday recipe

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Find it online: https://gurusrecipes.com/creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-topping/