Description
This Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food upgrade—golden, crispy on top, rich and cheesy inside. A perfect blend of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and a hint of Parmesan melts into a luscious sauce, enveloping every piece of pasta. The buttery panko topping brings the ideal crunch to contrast the velvety base. Whether you’re planning cozy weeknight meals, searching for quick dinner ideas, or needing a side for your holiday table, this easy recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s one of those go-to food ideas that works for all ages, tastes even better reheated, and fits both comfort cravings and celebration spreads.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp paprika (optional)
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted unsalted butter
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Slowly pour in warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until slightly thickened.
4. Lower heat and stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, and all the cheeses. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
5. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding gently until fully coated.
6. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the mac and cheese mixture and spread evenly.
7. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder. Sprinkle over the top.
8. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
Don’t skip the rest time after baking—this helps the sauce settle.
Toasting the breadcrumbs slightly before baking boosts flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main or Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, crunchy baked mac, easy dinner, comfort food, holiday side, cheesy pasta