Print

Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping

Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping
Print Recipe

Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping offers the ultimate comfort food experience—creamy, cheesy pasta combined with a golden, crunchy panko topping. This classic dish is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and customizable to suit any taste, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Panko Topping

  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free version)
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese or 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as parsley or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook elbow macaroni until just al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy during baking.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for about 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, cooking until thickened and smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is creamy.
  3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold to coat each piece evenly, creating a creamy and cheesy base.
  4. Prepare the Panko Topping: In a separate bowl, mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs. For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese or dried herbs if desired.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly spread the buttery panko topping over the surface. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly around the edges.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and creaminess.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; al dente texture prevents mushiness after baking.
  • Make sure to cook the roux well to avoid lumps and obtain a silky cheese sauce.
  • Toast the panko breadcrumbs in melted butter for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Let the dish rest a few minutes after baking to allow the sauce to thicken and set.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, crispy panko topping, comfort food, cheddar cheese, creamy pasta, homemade mac and cheese

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-with-crispy-panko-topping/