Baked Mac and Cheese Crispy (Printable Version)

Creamy macaroni layered with rich cheese, topped with a golden, crisp finish for maximum flavor.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 450 g elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 940 ml whole milk
05 - 2 teaspoons kosher salt
06 - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
08 - 340 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
09 - 115 g mozzarella cheese, shredded

→ Topping

10 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
12 - 60 g parmesan cheese, grated
13 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
02 - In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour, whisking continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, then gradually pour in milk while whisking. Bring to a gentle simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
03 - Remove sauce from heat. Stir in salt, black pepper, and mustard powder. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, whisking until fully melted and smooth.
04 - Fold macaroni into cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is well coated. Transfer mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
05 - Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, grated parmesan, and smoked paprika. Evenly sprinkle topping over macaroni mixture.
06 - Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and cheese is bubbling at the edges.
07 - Let stand for 10 minutes before portioning to allow the dish to set.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • uses simple pantry staples for maximum cheesy flavor
  • crowd pleasing for kids and adults alike especially during the holidays
  • make ahead and reheats well so it is perfect for gatherings or meal prep
02 -
  • high in calcium with a satisfying crunch from every bite
  • freezes beautifully for future comfort meals on demand
  • loved by picky eaters and guests of all ages
03 -
  • Always use freshly shredded cheese bagged shreds have a coating that resists melting
  • Warm your milk and half and half before adding to the roux to prevent lumps
  • Let the pasta sit in the sauce for a couple of minutes before topping to ensure deep flavor in every bite

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