Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe

Introduction

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food loved by all ages. This creamy, cheesy dish has a crispy breadcrumb topping and is perfect for a cozy family meal or a crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it becomes bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Step 3: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring gently until the pasta is well coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or a bit of cream cheese into the sauce.
• Try mixing in cooked bacon or caramelized onions for added flavor.
• Use a blend of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different cheesy profile.
• Swap panko bread crumbs with crushed crackers or fried onions for crunchy toppings.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally for even warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta like shells, cavatappi, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time as needed until al dente.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Remove the sauce from heat before adding the cheese and stir gently until melted. Avoid overheating the cheese sauce to keep it smooth and creamy.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 137 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This classic Mac and Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. It’s an irresistible comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Topping

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth and continue cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
3. Add Milk: Gradually pour the whole milk into the roux while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens slightly, creating a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth, creating a rich cheese sauce.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir gently to make sure all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
6. Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and crispy.

Notes

• You can substitute sharp cheddar with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyere for different flavor profiles.
• For a creamier texture, use half-and-half or add a splash of heavy cream.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs.
• Let the Mac and Cheese rest for a few minutes after baking for easier serving.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and texture variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, comfort food, cheddar cheese pasta, creamy mac and cheese, easy dinner recipe