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Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping

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This creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese features a crispy panko topping that adds the perfect crunch. Made with sharp cheddar and Gruyère, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (710ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cups (226g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (113g) Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup (56g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup (28g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions for al dente (about 6-7 minutes). Drain in a colander, do not rinse.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden and smells nutty.
  4. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  5. Add shredded cheeses one handful at a time, stirring gently after each addition until fully melted. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Gently fold together until every piece of macaroni is coated.
  7. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  8. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown and crispy. If desired, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.
  10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve warm.

Notes

Cook pasta one minute less than al dente to prevent mushiness. Shred your own cheese for a smoother sauce. Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. For extra crispy topping, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, panko topping, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/easy-baked-mac-and-cheese-with-crispy-panko-topping/