Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Crisps Recipe

Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy sauce with tender pasta. This classic dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

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 the pasta and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Whisk in the flour until the mixture is smooth and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely, forming a creamy cheese sauce.
5. Step 5: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is well coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try mixing in different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella along with the cheddar.
• Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder to the cheese sauce enhances its depth.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I use instead of panko bread crumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers make good alternatives for a crunchy topping.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Crisps Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 440 reviews

This classic Mac and Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting main or a hearty side dish, it combines a buttery roux base with sharp cheddar for a timeless, crowd-pleasing meal.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• 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, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it is bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking and whisking for about 1 minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.
3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until 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: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
6. Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs over the top to create a crunchy crust. 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 an extra creamy texture, use whole milk or you can substitute with half-and-half.
• You can add a pinch of nutmeg or mustard powder to the cheese sauce for added depth of flavor.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
• Make sure to not overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness after baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, classic mac and cheese, comfort food, cheddar cheese recipe