Description
Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch: a rich, ultra-creamy baked macaroni and cheese crowned with a buttery, crispy topping for the perfect comfort bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- For the topping: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbling but not browned.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine pasta with the cheese sauce and mix well. Pour into the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix panko with melted butter, paprika, and parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use whole milk and heavy cream as listed.
- Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce.
- Use a mix of cheeses (sharp cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan) for depth of flavor and meltiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about)
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch, crunchy mac and cheese, crispy baked macaroni and cheese, cheesy pasta with crunchy topping, panko crust mac and cheese