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A close-up of a golden-brown baked mac and cheese dish topped with crispy breadcrumbs and melted cheese, served in a rustic ceramic dish with a sprinkle of herbs, vibrant yellow cheese, and crunchy topping contrasting with creamy pasta beneath.

Crunchy Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese

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A rich and creamy baked mac and cheese topped with crunchy breadcrumbs, oven-baked to perfection, combining cheesy goodness with crispy texture.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Add cheddar, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts to form a sauce.
  6. Mix cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the pasta.
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Notes

  • You can add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for variation.
  • For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Nut-free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg