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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping is the ultimate comfort food that transforms a simple pasta dish into a rich and indulgent experience. With its velvety cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni and a crunchy, golden topping, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to whip up on a weeknight and even better as leftovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked mac and cheese is all about creamy goodness and crunchy texture, making it a dish that satisfies cravings for both comfort and flavor. Plus, it’s versatile and can be tailored to suit your tastes.

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  • Decadent and creamy cheese sauce.
  • Golden, crispy topping for the perfect crunch.
  • Simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers.
  • Kid-friendly and perfect for family dinners.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
  4. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is well coated.
  7. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, olive oil, and paprika (if using) until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy baked mac and cheese!

Tips for the Best Results

  • For an extra creamy texture, you can mix in a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese sauce.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations, like gouda or fontina, for a unique flavor.
  • Make sure to not overcook the macaroni during the boiling stage, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Easy Variations

  • Add cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist.
  • Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.
  • Top with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

What to Serve With It

  • Grilled chicken or steak for a hearty meal.
  • A fresh garden salad to balance out the richness.
  • Garlic bread or rolls for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

Recipe Card

Recipe Name: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield/Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
  4. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until combined.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is well coated.
  7. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, olive oil, and paprika (if using) until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy baked mac and cheese!

Notes: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.

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