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Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe with Ultimate Creamy Cheese Sauce Easy and Delicious

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A rich and silky mac and cheese with a luscious creamy cheese sauce and an irresistible crispy topping, perfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni or your favorite short pasta
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, divided (for sauce and topping)
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk (2% milk can be used)
  • 2 cups (225 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (110 grams) shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (100 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or chives), optional

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup (30 g) flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste. Cook for 2 minutes without browning.
  3. Gradually whisk in 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, pouring little by little to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup (110 g) shredded Gruyère, and 1/2 cup (50 g) Parmesan gradually. Add 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  5. Pour the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce or a large mixing bowl. Gently stir to coat every noodle with sauce.
  6. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter. Toss until crumbs are evenly coated.
  7. Transfer the cheesy pasta into a buttered 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb topping over the surface. Optionally, add fresh parsley or chives.
  8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until topping is golden brown and sauce bubbles around edges.
  9. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness after baking. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor. For extra crispy topping, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end while watching carefully. Panko breadcrumbs provide best crunch; alternatives include crushed crackers or cornflakes. Butter the baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/crispy-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-ultimate-creamy-cheese-sauce-easy-and-delicious/