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Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting, this Creamy Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping is the ultimate family dinner favorite. With velvety cheese sauce enveloping each elbow macaroni, complemented by a crispy breadcrumb layer, it’s a dish that guarantees to satisfy your cravings. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up for a weeknight meal while being impressive enough for gatherings. Dive into this recipe for a hearty classic that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser, combining rich flavors and delightful textures. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
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- Comfort Food: A nostalgic dish that warms the heart.
- Crispy Texture: The breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
- Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Simple Steps: Easy to prepare and requires minimal cooking skills.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Topping
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter, mixing until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
- For an extra cheesy experience, mix in a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or gouda.
- Ensure your cheese sauce is thick enough before adding the macaroni for optimal creaminess.
- Don’t skip the breadcrumb topping; it adds essential texture and flavor.
Easy Variations
- Bacon Mac: Add cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
- Veggie Mac: Stir in steamed broccoli or peas for added nutrition.
- Spicy Mac: Mix in jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
What to Serve With It
- A fresh garden salad dressed with vinaigrette.
- Grilled chicken or steak for a protein boost.
- Roasted vegetables for a colorful, healthy side.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Recipe Card
Recipe Name: Creamy Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield/Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
6. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
8. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter, mixing until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes: For a creamier texture, add more milk or cheese as desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield/Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients:
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
1 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute to create a roux.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in the sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
6. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
8. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter, mixing until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes: For a creamier texture, add more milk or cheese as desired.
