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Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Easy Golden Breadcrumb Topping

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A comforting baked mac and cheese with a creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy golden breadcrumb topping that stays crispy after baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 cups plain or panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until very al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until golden and bubbling but not browned.
  4. Slowly whisk in whole milk, a little at a time, keeping the mixture smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted. Add salt, black pepper, dry mustard powder, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  7. Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Stir constantly until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  8. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the mac.
  9. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the topping is crisp and cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after baking. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and texture. Toast breadcrumbs in butter before baking to keep topping crispy. Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving to thicken the sauce. If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, crispy breadcrumb topping, comfort food, easy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, golden breadcrumbs

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/crispy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-easy-golden-breadcrumb-topping/