Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese is a comforting classic with a golden, crunchy topping and a creamy, cheesy interior. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe combines multiple cheeses for rich flavor and a satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain thoroughly without rinsing and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, melt 5 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a pale, nutty roux forms.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer while whisking frequently, cooking until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Gradually add shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses, whisking until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Step 5: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated, then transfer to the baking dish.
6. Step 6: In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly at the edges and the topping is golden and crispy. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melt and flavor.
• Swap Gruyère with Fontina or Monterey Jack if preferred.
• Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions into the cheese sauce for extra depth.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend in the roux.
• Top with crushed potato chips or fried onions instead of panko for a different crunch.

Storage

Store leftover baked mac & cheese covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping, or microwave for a quicker option but the topping may lose crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed cornflakes work well as crispy toppings.

Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 123 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese is a comforting classic combining creamy, rich cheese sauce with a crunchy golden breadcrumb topping. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses, this mac and cheese is baked to bubbly perfection and offers a perfect balance of gooey and crispy textures, ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 lb elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Topping

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Pinch of salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain thoroughly without rinsing and set aside.
2. Make Roux: In the same pot, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until a pale, nutty roux forms.
3. Prepare Cheese Sauce Base: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while whisking frequently. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Season and Melt Cheeses: Stir in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and the optional 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses, whisking continuously until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
5. Assemble Mac & Cheese: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, making sure all the pasta is thoroughly coated. Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. Add Crispy Topping: In a bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, melted unsalted butter, grated Parmesan cheese if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
7. Bake and Serve: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy your crispy baked mac & cheese.

Notes

• Do not rinse the cooked macaroni after draining to help the cheese sauce stick better.
• Use a mix of cheeses for depth of flavor and a gooey texture.
• If you prefer a less crispy topping, reduce the amount of butter mixed with the panko breadcrumbs.
• Letting the dish rest after baking allows the sauce to thicken and set.
• Smoked paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky aroma that enhances the flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, crispy mac and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta, comfort food, baked pasta dish