Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe

Introduction

Classic mac and cheese is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This baked version adds a crispy breadcrumb topping for the perfect contrast in texture.

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 bubbly. Whisk in the flour until the mixture is smooth and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely into the sauce.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well until the pasta is fully coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese into the sauce.
• Try mixing different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a deeper flavor.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for a savory twist.
• Use seasoned panko or mix in a little grated Parmesan to enhance the crispy topping.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta used.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the roux. Confirm that your panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free or use crushed gluten-free crackers as a topping.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 52 reviews

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

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Description

A classic homemade Mac and Cheese recipe featuring creamy cheddar cheese sauce combined with tender elbow macaroni and topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection.

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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 and set it aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook the mixture until it thickens slightly into a creamy béchamel sauce.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce thoroughly until all the pasta is well coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

• Use sharp cheddar for a bold cheesy flavor; feel free to mix cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for a different twist.
• For a richer sauce, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or add a splash of cream.
• To add extra flavor, consider stirring in a pinch of paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Ensure the pasta is drained well to avoid a watery cheese sauce.

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

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, classic mac and cheese