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Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole

crispy baked mac and cheese casserole - featured image
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This easy homemade mac and cheese casserole features a creamy, dreamy cheese sauce and a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (about 3 cups dry)
  • Salt (for boiling water and seasoning)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, grated (or Swiss cheese)
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (optional, for color)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling but not browned.
  4. Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  5. Once the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes), reduce heat to low. Stir in sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and cream cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Pour the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until thoroughly coated.
  8. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top.
  9. In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated cheddar, and chopped parsley (optional). Mix until evenly coated.
  10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Do not press down.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. For extra crunch, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely.
  12. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese for a smoother sauce. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs. Add-ins like cooked bacon, roasted veggies, or buffalo sauce can be mixed in for variety. Let the casserole rest after baking for clean scoops and a thicker sauce. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, crispy topping, family recipe, potluck, holiday side, homemade

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/crispy-baked-mac-and-cheese-casserole-easy-homemade-comfort-recipe/