Description
This Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella. Topped with a buttery, golden panko breadcrumb crust, this classic comfort dish is baked to bubbly perfection and served warm for a satisfying meal.
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
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions to achieve al dente. Drain thoroughly without rinsing and set aside.
- Make Roux: In the same pot, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the roux becomes pale and nutty in aroma.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce Base: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, and continue cooking until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Season and Melt Cheeses: Whisk in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and the optional 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Slowly add shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheese, whisking continuously until fully melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Assemble Mac & Cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the drained macaroni with the prepared cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Add Crispy Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine 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 black pepper. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
- Bake and Serve: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are bubbly and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy baked mac & cheese.
Notes
- For best texture, avoid overcooking the pasta initially; cook slightly less than package directions.
- If you prefer a sharper cheese flavor, increase the ratio of sharp cheddar or Gruyère.
- Smoked paprika is optional, but it adds a nice subtle smoky note to the cheese sauce.
- Use fresh breadcrumbs or pulse stale bread to make your own panko if unavailable.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and sets the layers for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Baked Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Crispy Topping
