Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheddar and Panko Topping Recipe
Introduction
Classic mac and cheese is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines sharp cheddar cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping for a delightful texture contrast. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, it’s great as a main or a 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
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Step 3: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 5: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly on top.
- Step 7: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the sauce.
- Try mixing different cheeses such as Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique flavor.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for a savory twist.
Storage
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, other pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work well and hold the cheese sauce nicely.
How do I prevent my mac and cheese from being too dry?
Be sure not to over-bake it and consider adding a bit more milk or cheese sauce before baking if the mixture seems dry. Covering with foil can also help retain moisture.
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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheddar and Panko Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic Mac and Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni smothered in a creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect as a main or side.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens slightly, creating a creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Bake: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into 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 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of garlic powder to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with a blend of cheeses such as Gruyere or mozzarella for a different twist.
- Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the sauce set.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, classic comfort food, baked mac and cheese, cheddar cheese, creamy pasta, easy dinner recipe
