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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Breadcrumbs

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This creamy baked mac and cheese features tender pasta in a luxuriously smooth cheese sauce, topped with golden, garlicky breadcrumbs for the ultimate comfort food. It’s quick, easy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni (about 4 cups dry)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for topping
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
  • Pinch of salt (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13 inch casserole dish and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain well.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and nutty.
  4. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes, until sauce thickens.
  5. Stir in salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and garlic powder. Remove from heat. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Pour drained pasta into the casserole dish. Pour cheese sauce over and gently mix until noodles are coated.
  7. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt. Toss until evenly coated.
  8. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
  10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce. If the sauce splits, whisk in a splash of milk. For extra crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely. Assemble ahead without topping and refrigerate, then add topping and bake when ready. Gluten-free and vegan adaptations are possible. Customize with veggies, bacon, or alternative toppings.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, breadcrumb topping, casserole, easy dinner, kid-friendly, cheese, pasta

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crunchy-breadcrumbs-easy-comfort-food/