Best Baked Crispy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Mac and cheese is a timeless comfort food that brings back memories of cozy family dinners and indulgent comfort. This baked crispy mac and cheese recipe elevates the classic dish with a crunchy, golden topping that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy pasta underneath. With a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy gouda, this mac and cheese is packed with rich, savory flavors. It’s perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a comforting dinner at home.
This dish offers a delightful contrast between the creamy, cheesy pasta and the crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping. The combination of cheeses provides a depth of flavor that makes this mac and cheese a standout. Expect a comforting, satisfying meal that is both nostalgic and indulgent.
Tools to Use
- Large pot
- Colander
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded gouda cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preparing the Mac and Cheese:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and gouda cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour the mac and cheese into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Preparing the Topping:
- Make the Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
- Top the Mac and Cheese:
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Baking:
- Bake the Mac and Cheese:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving:
- Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Best Baked Crispy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- For the Mac and Cheese:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded gouda cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder optional
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preparing the Mac and Cheese:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Continue to cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and gouda cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Pour the mac and cheese into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Preparing the Topping:
- Make the Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
- Top the Mac and Cheese:
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Baking:
- Bake the Mac and Cheese:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving:
- Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Cooking
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gruyere, mozzarella, or fontina for a unique flavor profile.
- Breadcrumbs: For extra flavor, you can toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet with a little butter before sprinkling them on top of the mac and cheese.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste if you like a bit of heat.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This baked crispy mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining the creamy richness of a classic mac and cheese with a satisfying crunchy topping. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings. The blend of cheeses provides a depth of flavor that will make this dish a favorite in your household.
Indulge in the best-baked crispy mac and cheese recipe and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy, buttery topping. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s cravings. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
