Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk as the mixture thickens slightly into a creamy base.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy cheddar sauce.
- 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
