Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe

Introduction

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta for a warm, satisfying dish. This recipe offers a classic baked version with a crispy breadcrumb topping that’s perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
5. Step 5: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly on top, then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a richer taste.
• Substitute panko with crushed crackers for a different crunchy topping.
• To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and pasta, and skip the breadcrumb topping or use gluten-free crumbs.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through for best texture. You can also microwave individual portions, but the topping may not remain crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, other small pasta shapes like shells or penne work well, but cooking times may vary slightly. Choose a pasta that holds sauce well.

Can I prepare mac and cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the cheese sauce and cooked pasta, combine them, and refrigerate before baking. Add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe

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4.8 from 473 reviews

Classic baked macaroni and cheese featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection.

• Author: mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Topping

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth, and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking as the mixture thickens slightly into a creamy sauce.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until every piece is well coated with the creamy cheddar mixture.
6. Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream along with the milk.
• To add a smoky flavor, consider mixing in some smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce.
• Using freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties which contain anti-caking agents.
• The panko topping adds a nice crunch; you can mix it with a little melted butter before sprinkling for extra golden color.
• Leftovers can be reheated covered in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, cheddar cheese recipe, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food