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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Golden Crust

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A comforting baked mac and cheese recipe featuring a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy golden breadcrumb topping, perfect for family meals and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour until smooth and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Slowly pour in warmed whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
  6. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat.
  7. Pour the cheesy pasta into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated.
  9. Evenly spread the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and cheese sauce is bubbling.
  11. Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents. Toss breadcrumbs in oil or melted butter for a crispy topping. If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Cook pasta just shy of al dente as it will finish cooking in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, crispy breadcrumb topping, comfort food, easy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-crispy-golden-crust-perfect/