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Crispy Topped Baked Mac Cheese Recipe for Ultimate Comfort Food

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This Baked Mac Cheese with Crispy Topping is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a creamy cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked macaroni. The crunchy topping adds a delightful texture contrast that makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in 2 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese, and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until fully melted.
  6. Fold the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until well-coated.
  7. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of panko breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (if using), and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika (if using). Mix until the breadcrumbs are well-coated.
  9. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
  10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: For a creamier texture, consider using more heavy cream. Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor.

Find it online: https://softtasty.com/crispy-topped-baked-mac-cheese-recipe-for-ultimate-comfort-food/