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To make Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese, gather these simple items: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated - 3 cups milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) For this dish, cheese is key. I love using sharp cheddar for its bold taste. Gruyère adds a nice creaminess. You can mix it up with these options: - Mozzarella for a stretchier texture - Fontina for a nutty flavor - Gouda for a smoky hint If you want to switch things up, try these alternatives: - Whole wheat elbow macaroni for a healthier option - Almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free choice - Olive oil instead of butter for a lighter dish - Vegan cheese for a plant-based version These swaps can help you create a dish that fits your taste and needs! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni to the water. Cook the pasta for 6 to 8 minutes until it is al dente. You want it firm but not hard. Drain the macaroni in a colander and set it aside. This step is key to avoid mushy pasta later. In the same pot, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it melts, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Cook this mix for about 2 minutes. It should bubble and thicken a bit. Now, slowly add 3 cups of milk while whisking. This helps keep the sauce smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of mustard powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Then, gradually mix in 4 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese. Stir until everything is melted and smooth. Now, fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Make sure each piece of pasta gets coated well. Pour this mix into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated. Spread this topping evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the top to be golden and crunchy. After baking, let it cool slightly. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your crunchy baked mac and cheese! To get that great crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. Mix them with grated parmesan and a bit of olive oil. This adds flavor and helps the topping brown nicely. Spread this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake until golden. Keep an eye on it. You want it crispy, not burnt. Bake your mac and cheese at 350°F (175°C). This temperature cooks the dish evenly. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes. Check it at 25 minutes. Look for a golden top. If it’s not golden, give it a few more minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easier to scoop. Serve your crunchy baked mac and cheese with a fresh salad. A simple green salad balances the cheesy dish. You can also pair it with grilled vegetables or garlic bread. For a protein boost, add chicken or bacon. This adds flavor and makes the meal heartier. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for color! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor and creaminess, opt for high-quality sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese. Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like crispy bacon, herbs, or different types of cheese for added flavor. Let It Rest: Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set and make serving easier. {{image_2}} You can add chicken or bacon for extra flavor. Cook chicken first, then add it to the mac and cheese before baking. For bacon, cook until crispy, chop it, and mix it in. Both options give you a hearty dish that satisfies. If you're vegetarian, skip the meat but keep the flavor. You can add veggies like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers. Just steam them lightly before mixing in. This will add color and nutrition to your mac and cheese. Want some heat? You can add jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. Mix them in with the cheese sauce for warmth. If you like it really spicy, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. This adds a nice kick to each bite. To keep your crunchy baked mac and cheese fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep moisture out. If you want to freeze leftovers, first cool them completely. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. This will help keep it fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For the best taste, reheat your mac and cheese in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes. If you want it crunchy again, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but it may not stay crunchy. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the macaroni and cheese as usual. Then, store it uncovered in the fridge before baking. When you are ready, add the panko topping. Bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. If you don't have panko, use regular breadcrumbs instead. You can also crush crackers or chips for a crunchy topping. For a gluten-free option, try ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. To get a creamy dish, skip the panko topping. After mixing the cheese sauce with the macaroni, serve it right away. You can also add more milk or cream to the cheese sauce. This will help keep it smooth and creamy. This article covered key ingredients and steps for the perfect mac and cheese. You learned about cheese options, alternative ingredients, and ways to add protein or spice. Tips included how to achieve a crunchy topping and the best cooking times. Finally, you found storage and reheating advice. Now, you’re ready to impress with your own mac and cheese. Enjoy the process and have fun creating!

Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese

A deliciously creamy and cheesy baked macaroni dish topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 cups milk
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbly.
  • Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Stir in garlic powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese gradually, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Fold in the cooked macaroni until well coated with the cheese sauce.
  • Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the grated parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil. Stir until combined.
  • Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and crunchy.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add cooked bacon or ham.
Keyword baked pasta, comfort food, mac and cheese