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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping Easy and Perfect

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A quick and easy creamy baked mac and cheese with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping that offers a perfect balance of smooth cheese sauce and crunchy texture. Ideal for busy weeknights or comforting family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (optional but recommended)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Pinch of ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup plain or panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes without browning.
  4. Slowly pour in warm whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook and whisk until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  6. Pour the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  7. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon melted butter until evenly coated.
  8. Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the cheese sauce is bubbling.
  10. Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best as it will bake further. Toast breadcrumbs in butter before topping for extra crunch. If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Resting the dish after baking helps thicken the sauce and makes serving easier.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, breadcrumb topping, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

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