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Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch

Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch is Bold Epic 3.

  • Author: Myar Nasser
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch is a rich, velvety pasta bake upgraded with a golden, crunchy topping. This creamy cheese sauce clings to every elbow while a parmesan breadcrumb crust delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy family meals, this dish blends comfort with gourmet indulgence and easy make-ahead potential. Made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, it melts smoothly, then bakes to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  7. Stir cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  8. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  9. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
  10. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest briefly before serving.

Notes

  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to set the sauce.
  • For make-ahead, assemble in advance, refrigerate, then bake 5–10 minutes longer.
  • Use a blend of cheeses for depth of flavor; adjust salt if you use extra salty cheeses.
  • For extra crunch, switch breadcrumbs to panko breadcrumbs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 630
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch, baked mac and cheese, crispy topping macaroni, creamy pasta bake, comforting dinner, potluck dish, family-friendly recipe

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Find it online: https://www.mealprepideas.blog/gourmet-baked-mac-and-cheese-with-a-crunch-2/