Baked Mac Cheese with crispy panko topping is a dish that combines gooey, cheesy goodness with a crunchy finish. This delightful recipe transforms a comfort food classic into an extraordinary meal. Each bite of this oven-baked cheese pasta delivers warmth and satisfaction, making it a go-to for family dinners or potlucks. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s no wonder why this cheesy baked macaroni dish is loved by many. Ready to dive into this delicious journey? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac Cheese with
This baked macaroni and cheese is not just another side dish; it’s the star of any meal. Here’s why:
- It’s incredibly creamy, thanks to the blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese.
- The crispy panko topping adds the perfect texture contrast.
- This recipe is easy to customize with add-ins like bacon or jalapeños.
- It’s a comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
- Perfect for potlucks, this mac cheese casserole is sure to impress.
- Make it vegetarian or gluten-free with simple ingredient swaps.
Whether you’re wondering what is baked macaroni and cheese? or seeking easy baked mac and cheese ideas, this recipe is sure to deliver!
Ingredients for Baked Mac Cheese with
Gather these items:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded or substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- Optional Add-ins: crumbled cooked bacon, chopped green onions, diced jalapeños, roasted garlic
How to Make Baked Mac Cheese with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until it forms a paste.
- Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until it thickens—about 4-5 minutes.
- Step 5: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 6: Pour the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and gently fold until every piece is coated.
- Step 7: Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Step 8: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika.
- Step 9: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Step 10: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for an extra-crispy topping.
- Step 11: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Baked Mac Cheese with
Keep these in mind:
- For the best texture, don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Broil for a minute or two at the end for a perfect golden topping.
- Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or gouda for unique flavors.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep; make it ahead of time and bake when ready.
- Use a mix of cheeses for depth; the best cheeses for baked mac and cheese include sharp cheddar and Gruyère.
Best Ways to Serve Baked Mac Cheese with
Consider these serving suggestions:
- Pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
- Top with crumbled bacon or jalapeños for added flavor and crunch.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Mac Cheese with
To store, cover leftovers tightly and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This makes for an excellent meal prep option!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Mac Cheese with
What’s the secret to perfect Baked Mac Cheese with?
The secret is in the cheese sauce! Using a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère gives it a rich, creamy texture. Also, ensuring the pasta is cooked al dente helps maintain its structure during baking.
Can I make Baked Mac Cheese with ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve. This is perfect for gatherings and potlucks!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Mac Cheese with?
To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the pasta and mix the cheese sauce thoroughly until smooth. Also, don’t skip the resting time before serving to allow everything to set properly.
Variations of Baked Mac Cheese with You Can Try
Here are some delicious variations:
- For a vegetarian twist, use cauliflower instead of pasta for a gluten-free baked mac cheese recipe.
- Add spicy diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Incorporate crumbled bacon for a savory flavor boost.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations for unique flavors.
For more delicious recipes, check out our creamiest mac cheese or explore comforting loaded broccoli cheese for a twist on this classic dish.
For more tips on meal prep, visit our slow cooker baked ziti recipe.
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Baked Mac Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (room temperature)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded or substitute with mozzarella for a milder taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- Optional Add-ins: crumbled cooked bacon, chopped green onions, diced jalapeños, roasted garlic
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until it forms a paste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until it thickens—about 4-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and gently fold until every piece is coated.
- Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Broil for the last 1-2 minutes for an extra-crispy topping.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Baked Mac and Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Comfort Food