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Creamy Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Topping Easy and Best

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A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for Thanksgiving or any cozy gathering. This recipe balances sharp and mild cheddar cheeses with a béchamel sauce enriched with cream cheese and Dijon mustard.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or shell pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Breadcrumb Topping:
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups warm whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 4 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional), salt, and pepper to taste. Stir well.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup mild cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Add drained pasta to cheese sauce and fold gently until coated.
  7. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Toss until evenly coated.
  8. Pour mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle breadcrumb topping over the surface.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown and cheese sauce is bubbling.
  10. Let mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Stir cheese sauce constantly while making béchamel to prevent lumps. Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and texture. Toast panko breadcrumbs in a skillet before baking for extra crunch and flavor. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients as suggested in the recipe.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, Thanksgiving side dish, crispy breadcrumb topping, comfort food, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/creamy-thanksgiving-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-topping-easy-and-best/