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Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Topping Easy and Perfect

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A quick and easy homemade mac and cheese with a creamy cheese sauce and a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect comfort food made from simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbly.
  3. Gradually pour in warm whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Pour cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tablespoon melted butter, and garlic powder. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
  7. Transfer cheesy pasta mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese. Dot with remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and crispy and cheese sauce is bubbling.
  9. Let mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; it will cook more in the oven. Warm the milk before adding to avoid lumps. If topping browns too fast, tent with foil halfway through baking. Use cold butter in topping for extra crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, crispy topping, comfort food, easy dinner, cheddar cheese

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/creamy-homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-topping-easy-and-perfect/