Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese is a comforting classic with a golden, crunchy topping and a creamy, cheesy interior. This recipe combines sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella for a rich, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain thoroughly without rinsing and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the same pot, melt 5 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a pale, nutty roux forms.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-8 minutes). Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika if using. Gradually add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses, whisking until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Step 5: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is coated. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish.
6. Step 6: In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra creamy texture, add a splash of cream cheese to the sauce.
• Use smoked Gouda instead of Gruyère for a smoky twist.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Add crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese sauce for added flavor and texture.

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 to retain the crispy topping, or microwave covered and then briefly under the broiler to re-crisp the topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other small pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the mac and cheese through step 5, then cover and refrigerate. Add the topping before baking. Bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 90 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This classic Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy pasta baked to golden perfection with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses enveloped in a smooth béchamel sauce, then baked until bubbly and crisp, it’s comfort food at its finest for any occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 lb elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 5 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Crispy Topping

• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Pinch of salt and pepper

---

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions to achieve an al dente texture. Drain the pasta thoroughly without rinsing and set aside to retain some starch for the sauce adherence.
2. Make Roux: In the same pot, melt 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture forms a pale, nutty roux, which will thicken the sauce.
3. Prepare Cheese Sauce Base: Gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer while whisking frequently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat to prevent scorching.
4. Season and Melt Cheeses: Whisk in 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika if using. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses, whisking continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Assemble Mac & Cheese: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Combine the drained elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
6. Add Crispy Topping: In a bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese if using, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese for a crunchy topping.
7. Bake and Serve: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to set. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting classic.

Notes

• Do not rinse the pasta after boiling; this helps the sauce cling better.
• Use good quality cheeses for the best flavor—sharp cheddar and Gruyère provide a great balance.
• Smoked paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky depth.
• Resting the baked mac & cheese before serving allows it to thicken and makes serving easier.
• You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives the best crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, crispy mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheddar mac and cheese, baked pasta, cheesy casserole