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Crispy Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe with Creamy Cheddar Sauce Easy and Perfect

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A comforting mac and cheese with a creamy cheddar sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup Colby jack cheese, shredded (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until light golden.
  4. Slowly whisk in 3 cups of warmed whole milk, a little at a time, and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and stir in 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup Colby jack cheese until melted and smooth. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all noodles.
  7. In a small bowl, toss 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese with 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil.
  8. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the sauce is bubbling.
  10. Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. If sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of milk to loosen. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt. Boil pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness. Panko breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter provide extra crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, crispy mac and cheese, creamy cheddar sauce, comfort food, baked pasta, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/crispy-classic-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-creamy-cheddar-sauce-easy-and-perfect/