Crispy Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Crispy Macaroni and Cheese recipe—a creamy, cheesy classic with an irresistibly golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. Featuring a luscious cheese sauce made with a trio of flavorsome cheeses—cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan—and tender elbow macaroni, this dish strikes the perfect balance between rich, gooey goodness and crispy, savory perfection. The panko breadcrumb topping, infused with garlic powder and a hint of paprika, adds a delightful crunch to every bite. Quick to prepare and perfect for sharing, this bakery-style take on macaroni and cheese is an ideal choice for weeknight dinners, festive gatherings, or whenever comfort food cravings strike. Bake it to bubbly perfection and serve it hot for a dish that's guaranteed to win hearts at the table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 450 g Elbow macaroni
- 85 g Unsalted butter
- 50 g All-purpose flour
- 960 ml Whole milk
- 240 ml Heavy cream
- 200 g Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 150 g Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 50 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper, ground
- 120 g Breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Paprika (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture remains smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time, until completely melted and smooth.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper, then fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring it is evenly coated with the sauce.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Mix well, then sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Let the dish cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, crispy macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 58.5 g | 75% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.2 g | 166% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 157 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 1081 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 87.3 g | 32% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 36.7 g | 73% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.6 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 769 mg | 59% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 399 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
