Mac and Cheese Recipe with Buttery Breadcrumb Crunch

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Are you looking for a reliable, easy-to-make mac and cheese recipe that delivers creamy, cheesy perfection every time? Whether you're feeding your family or preparing for a potluck, this recipe has all the tips and tricks to make your dish unforgettable. Let’s dive into the secrets to achieving that golden, bubbling crust and a sauce so creamy it clings to every piece of macaroni.

What Makes This Mac and Cheese Unique

Mac and cheese dishes often face the challenge of becoming dry or bland after baking. This recipe solves that with a few key techniques: coating the pasta in butter to prevent bloating, using freshly grated cheese for a smooth sauce, and adding a buttery breadcrumb topping for crunch. Here's everything you need to make this comforting dish a success.

mac and cheese

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Macaroni:

250g (8 oz) elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter or 2 teaspoons oil

For the Sauce:

4 tbsp (60g) unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (warmed)
2 cups freshly grated Gruyere cheese (or cheddar, Colby)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
3/4 tsp salt

Optional seasonings to boost flavor:

1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp mustard powder

For the Topping:

2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (30g) melted unsalted butter
1/4 tsp salt

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mac and cheese dishes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta

Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of water, add a pinch of salt, and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions—subtracting one minute from the recommended time.

Toss with butter: Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and stir in the butter to coat. This helps prevent the pasta from absorbing too much sauce during baking.

Prepare the pasta

2. Make the Sauce

Start with a roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heatStir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Add milk gradually: Pour in 1 cup of warm milk, whisking to dissolve the roux. Slowly pour in the remaining milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth.

Season and thicken: Stir in the optional seasonings and cook for 5–8 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Add the cheese: Remove from heat, stir in the cheeses, and adjust the salt to taste.

Make the sauce cheese

3. Assemble and Bake

Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the sauce with the cooked pasta and transfer it to a 9-inch skillet or baking dish.
Add the topping: Combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and salt. Sprinkle over the pasta.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and crisp.

This mac and cheese recipe offers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures, making it ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Plus, with tips for preparation and reheating, you’ll enjoy the same rich flavor even the next day.

cheese recipe for mac n cheese

Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese

Grate your own cheese: Pre-grated cheese contains additives that can make your sauce grainy.

Use panko breadcrumbs: They create a crispier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.

Make ahead: Assemble the dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Conclusion

We hope this mac and cheese recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen! With its creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and crispy topping, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Mac and cheese is just a bake away from becoming your family’s favorite comfort food.

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