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Cozy Mac and Cheese Recipe with 5 Easy Steps for Crispy Golden Crust

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A comforting mac and cheese with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust and creamy cheesy noodles, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni, dried
  • 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (710 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups (200 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup (90 grams) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly butter your 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 7-8 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons (24 g) all-purpose flour. Continue whisking constantly for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste—don’t let it brown.
  4. Slowly pour in 3 cups (710 ml) warmed whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar, 1 cup (100 g) mozzarella, and ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final stir.
  6. Pour the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
  7. In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter. Stir in 1 cup (90 g) panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated.
  8. Pour the cheesy macaroni into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  9. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp, and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  10. Let the mac and cheese rest for about 5 minutes after baking before serving.

Notes

If the breadcrumb topping browns too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil halfway through baking. Stir the cheese sauce often while making it to keep it smooth and prevent burning. For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and texture. Let the dish rest 5 minutes before serving to set the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, crispy breadcrumb topping, cheesy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/cozy-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-5-easy-steps-for-crispy-golden-crust/