Description
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden, buttery crunch. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any cozy night in!
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta & Sauce
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (warmed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese Blend
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- Crunchy Topping
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1 – Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta 1–2 minutes less than package instructions (it will finish baking in the oven). Drain and toss with a touch of butter to prevent sticking.
- Step 2 – Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
- Step 3 – Add the Milk: Slowly pour in warm milk and cream while whisking. Continue whisking until smooth and slightly thickened — about 5–7 minutes.
- Step 4 – Stir in the Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and silky. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
- Step 5 – Combine: Fold in cooked pasta until every piece is coated in that luscious cheese sauce.
- Step 6 – Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, paprika, and Parmesan.
- Step 7 – Assemble & Bake: Pour mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
Notes
For an extra creamy texture, stir in ½ cup of cream cheese to the sauce before baking. This dish reheats beautifully and makes delicious leftovers!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg