Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe
This classic Mac and Cheese recipe features creamy sharp Cheddar cheese sauce combined with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, topped with a crispy panko and paprika crust. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s an irresistible comfort food favorite that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons McCormick® Ground Mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Coarse Ground Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon McCormick® Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups milk
- 6 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon McCormick® Paprika
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Macaroni: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cook the elbow macaroni in a large saucepan according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and then drain well.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, ground mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt. Cook and stir for about 2 minutes until the mixture is well blended and forms a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth. Stir constantly and cook for about 3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp Cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently toss to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with the paprika, then sprinkle this evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the baked mac and cheese to stand for 5 minutes before serving so it can set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use whole milk or add a splash of cream to the sauce.
- You can substitute sharp Cheddar with a blend of cheeses like Gruyere or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
- To make the topping even crispier, toss the panko crumbs with melted butter before sprinkling.
- Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
- Ensure to cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, sharp cheddar mac and cheese, comfort food
