If you’re craving a comforting classic that never fails to bring smiles, the Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe is your golden ticket. It’s that perfect blend of ooey-gooey cheese bonded with tender macaroni, all crowned with a satisfyingly crunchy panko crust that adds just the right textural contrast. Each bite carries a warm, cheesy hug that feels like home, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want a taste of pure comfort food bliss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe celebrates simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. Fresh dairy, quality cheese blends, and crisp panko create a harmonious dish that’s easy to assemble yet richly satisfying.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is cheesy and delightful.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for the roux and breadcrumb topping, adding smoothness and flavor control.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce into a luscious, velvety consistency that hugs the pasta perfectly.
- Milk: The creamy canvas that softens the roux and melts the cheese to silky perfection.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: This cheese brings bold, tangy flavor that’s synonymous with classic mac and cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a stretchy, gooey texture that makes the dish irresistibly cheesy.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty complexity that elevates the sauce beyond the ordinary.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and lifts the flavors in the sauce.
- Cayenne pepper (optional): A gentle kick of warmth that adds depth without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Create a crunchy, golden crust that contrasts wonderfully against the creamy interior.
- Melted butter (for breadcrumbs): Ensures the topping crisps up beautifully, adding richness and a toasty note.
- Dried parsley (optional): A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and subtle herbal aroma.
How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 3-quart baking dish. This preps the environment to bake your mac and cheese perfectly without sticking, giving you that pristine, golden result.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente—tender with a hint of bite—then drain thoroughly. Perfect pasta texture is crucial since the sauce will finish cooking the dish in the oven.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour, constantly whisking for about one minute until it turns slightly golden, signaling the roux is ready to thicken your sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce
Slowly whisk in the milk to the roux, preventing lumps for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy base. Lower the heat, then add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until everything melts into a velvety sauce that clings lovingly to the pasta.
Step 5: Season and Combine
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a mild kick. Add your cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every noodle evenly in this luscious, cheesy blanket.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle this crunchy topping evenly over the top. This step guarantees that delightful crispy texture that makes this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe so special.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the breadcrumb topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese beneath bubbles eagerly. Once out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly to set the layers before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of dried parsley over the top for a fresh, inviting color contrast and subtle herbal note. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of truffle oil can elevate this comfort food into a gourmet experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs exceptionally well with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli and green beans to balance the richness. For heartier meals, alongside roasted meats or a juicy barbecue chicken, it’s the perfect cheesy complement.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch or transform leftovers into crispy mac and cheese bites by frying small portions for a crunchy snack. Either way, the Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe always impresses at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even better overnight, making reheated portions just as satisfying as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this mac and cheese before baking, tightly wrapped or in a sealed container, for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and proceed to bake as usual—perfect for planning meals ahead.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to preserve the crispy topping. Alternatively, microwave portions on medium power with a loose cover, but the oven is best for maintaining texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can try shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so the pasta stays al dente and nicely holds the cheese sauce.
What cheeses work best in this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe?
A sharp cheddar brings bold flavor, mozzarella adds gooey stretch, and Parmesan lends a nutty depth. You can experiment with Gruyere, fontina, or Monterey Jack for different tastes and textures.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
This recipe is naturally vegetarian as it doesn’t include any meat or meat-based broths. Just be sure your cheese is free from animal rennet if that’s a concern.
How do I get the panko topping extra crunchy?
Mixing panko with melted butter before sprinkling is key. For an even crunchier finish, you can broil the mac and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch for the roux. Make sure your panko breadcrumbs are gluten-free or use crushed gluten-free crackers instead.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy satisfaction of a Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe fresh out of the oven. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of creamy richness and crisp topping that’s sure to become a beloved staple. Go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic baked macaroni and cheese featuring a creamy cheese sauce made from cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, topped with a crispy buttery panko breadcrumb crust. This comforting casserole is perfect for a hearty family meal or potluck dish.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 3-quart baking dish and set aside to ensure the macaroni and cheese won’t stick during baking.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions, then drain thoroughly to prepare for mixing with sauce.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 5 tablespoons of unsalted butter to begin the roux base for the cheese sauce.
- Make Roux: Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste and form a roux.
- Add Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, around 4-5 minutes, forming a creamy base.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until all cheeses melt into a smooth sauce.
- Season Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to enhance the flavor profile.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat each piece evenly in the creamy mixture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter to create a deliciously crunchy topping.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with dried parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper slightly according to taste.
- You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking; add extra baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
