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Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe: Easy Homemade Comfort with Crispy Breadcrumbs

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This baked mac and cheese features a creamy, cheesy sauce and a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and delivers pure comfort food perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 1 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking 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 6-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Continue stirring as the mixture heats and thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and sauce is creamy. Add ground mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Pour drained pasta into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until all noodles are coated. Add a splash more milk if the sauce is too thick.
  7. In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated parmesan, and chopped parsley. Toss until evenly coated.
  8. Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese bubbles around the edges.
  10. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, undercook pasta by 1-2 minutes and shred your own cheese for a smoother sauce. Use panko for extra crunch in the topping. You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs. Assemble ahead (without topping) and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, crispy breadcrumbs, easy dinner, family recipe, cheesy pasta, casserole

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-with-crispy-breadcrumbs/