Description
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food with this Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese. Perfect as a quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, or an indulgent side for gatherings, this classic dish combines creamy, gooey cheese sauce with perfectly baked pasta and a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. If you’re searching for crowd-pleasing dinner ideas, easy recipes, or food ideas for family meals, this is your answer!
Ingredients
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Stir in cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
6. Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat every piece.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
8. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the pasta. Add fresh thyme if desired.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crisp. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For the best crunch, always use panko breadcrumbs and toss with melted butter before baking.
You can swap Gruyère for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even add a bit of smoked gouda for a fun twist.
If making ahead, assemble the mac and cheese but add the breadcrumb topping right before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish or Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: crunchy baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, comfort food, baked pasta, family dinner