Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Breadcrumb Topping Recipe

Introduction

Mac and cheese is a timeless comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crunchy panko for the perfect finish. It’s a simple dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure it’s fully coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
• Try mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for a heartier version.
• Use a blend of cheeses like gouda or mozzarella along with cheddar for a creamier texture.
• To keep the breadcrumb topping crunchy, sprinkle a little melted butter over the panko before baking.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use other small pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Breadcrumb Topping Recipe

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4.4 from 139 reviews

A classic creamy Mac and Cheese made with elbow macaroni, rich cheddar cheese, and a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping, baked to golden perfection. This comforting dish combines a smooth cheese sauce with tender pasta for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Topping

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it becomes bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk as the mixture thickens slightly into a creamy base.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy cheddar sauce.
6. Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

• Use sharp cheddar for the best cheesy flavor, but you can mix cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for variety.
• To make the dish gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
• For a richer sauce, you can add a little cream or parmesan cheese along with the cheddar.
• Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to thicken slightly before serving.
• You can add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and texture.

Keywords: Mac and Cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, cheddar cheese recipe