Go Back
Macaroni and cheese, fondly known as mac & cheese, is a quintessential comfort food that transcends generations and cultures. With its creamy cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, this dish has earned a special place in the hearts—and stomachs—of many. Whether it's a cozy family dinner, a holiday gathering, or simply a weeknight meal, mac & cheese brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. In this recipe for Cheesy Delight Baked Mac & Cheese with a Crunchy Topping, we’ll explore how to elevate this classic dish into something truly extraordinary.

Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping

Dive into the ultimate comfort food experience with this Cheesy Delight Baked Mac & Cheese featuring a crunchy topping! This classic dish boasts a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Gruyère, enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. The crispy panko topping, flavored with smoked paprika and Parmesan, elevates the dish to new heights. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this recipe is a must-try for mac & cheese lovers. Start creating your own delicious memories today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

For the Mac & Cheese:

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crispy Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Make the Cheese Sauce:

        - In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

          - Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, until the mixture becomes a light golden color (this is your roux).

            - Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

              - Lower the heat and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper.

                - Remove the saucepan from heat and slowly add in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

                  Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni and cheese sauce, stirring well to coat all pasta evenly.

                    Prepare the Crispy Topping:

                      - In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, smoked paprika, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to ensure the breadcrumbs are coated.

                        Assemble the Dish: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly spread the crispy topping over the macaroni.

                          Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

                            Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your indulgent baked mac & cheese!

                              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8