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Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping

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A comforting and creamy mac and cheese with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping that delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ready in under 45 minutes, this recipe is ideal for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 3 cups (340 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (115 g) Gruyère cheese, shredded (optional)
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 tsp)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 cup (90 g) breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes without browning.
  4. Gradually pour in warmed whole milk while whisking constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Mix the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  7. In a bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter or olive oil. Toss until evenly coated.
  8. Pour the mac and cheese into the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Let the mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the breadcrumb topping browns too fast, tent lightly with foil halfway through baking. Warm the milk before adding to avoid lumps. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour. Dairy-free substitutions include plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. You can finish the breadcrumb topping on the stovetop if no oven is available.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crunchy-breadcrumb-topping-easy-and-best/