Description
Ultimate Baked Mac & Cheese
Rich, creamy, and insanely cheesy—this baked mac & cheese is topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust for the perfect crunch!
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
12 oz elbow macaroni
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
For the Cheese Sauce:
4 tbsp butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp garlic powder
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ cup Gruyère or Parmesan cheese, shredded
For the Topping:
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère/Parmesan. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
Assemble & Top: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce and pour into a buttered baking dish.
Add the Crunch: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan. Sprinkle over the mac & cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Broil for 2 minutes for extra crispiness.
Serve & Enjoy: Let it rest for a few minutes, then dig into this gooey, cheesy masterpiece!
Pro Tip: Add crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or truffle oil for a gourmet twist!
