Description
Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping
Ingredients
Scale
- 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