Servings: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any pasta you prefer)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes to form a roux (it should be bubbly but not browned).
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, and shredded cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter and the cheese.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Let the mac and cheese sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Use a blend of cheeses for the best flavor and texture—sharp cheddar adds bite, while mozzarella keeps it creamy.
- Toss the pasta in a little butter before mixing with the cheese sauce to prevent sticking.
- If you like extra crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last 2–3 minutes of baking.
DON’T:
- Overcook the pasta—slightly underdone pasta holds up better to the cheese sauce.
- Use pre-shredded cheese; it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s creaminess.
- Skip the breadcrumb topping—it’s what gives this mac and cheese that irresistible crunch.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations:
- Bacon: Crisp up some bacon and crumble it over the mac and cheese before baking for a smoky twist.
- Veggies: Add sautéed spinach, peas, or broccoli for a pop of color and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat.
Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs is the ultimate comfort food with a satisfying, crunchy topping. This cheesy, creamy dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table. 🧀🍽✨
