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Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Creamy Golden Topping

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A quick and easy baked mac and cheese with a crispy golden breadcrumb topping and a creamy, velvety cheese sauce made from simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter your baking dish lightly to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside; don’t rinse.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden and nutty.
  4. Slowly pour in 3 cups of warmed whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup Parmesan until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  7. Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  8. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
  10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter before topping for extra crunch. Warm the milk before adding to avoid lumps. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, crispy topping, creamy cheese sauce, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/crispy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-creamy-golden-topping-easy-and-perfect/