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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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