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Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

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A rich and creamy homemade mac and cheese with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping that balances silky cheese sauce with a satisfyingly crunchy crust. Perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (720 ml), warmed
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200 grams)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 100 grams)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 50 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until pale golden and nutty.
  3. Gradually pour in 3 cups warmed whole milk while whisking continuously. Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, whisk in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
  5. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and fold gently to coat every noodle.
  6. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (if using). Toss until evenly coated.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour mac and cheese mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle breadcrumb topping over the surface.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and crispy and sauce is bubbling around edges.
  9. Let mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Warm the milk before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Toast breadcrumbs in melted butter for best crunch. If topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through baking. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Freshly shred cheese for better melting.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-breadcrumb-topping-easy-and-best-guide/