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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Golden Crust

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A cozy, creamy baked mac and cheese with a satisfyingly crispy golden crust, perfect for family dinners or comforting meals. This recipe balances rich, gooey cheese sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking dish with a little butter and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until light golden and nutty smelling.
  4. Slowly pour in 3 cups warm whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until sauce thickens and bubbles gently, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika if using. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low and gradually add 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold until fully coated.
  8. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder if using.
  9. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the buttery panko mixture over the top.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  11. Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If breadcrumbs brown too fast, tent the dish with foil halfway through baking. If cheese sauce is too thick before mixing with pasta, add a splash more milk. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. For gluten-free, substitute pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs accordingly. Let dish rest 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, crispy crust, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-golden-crust-easy-and-perfect/