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A creamy baked mac and cheese dish topped with golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust, served in a rustic white bowl on a wooden surface, with melted cheese stretching from the edges, garnished with fresh herbs, and surrounded by a few cooked pasta pieces for a tempting and inviting look.

Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese Delight

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A rich, cheesy baked pasta dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for comfort food lovers.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in milk, salt, and pepper, then add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
  3. Combine cheese sauce with cooked pasta. Pour into a buttered baking dish.
  4. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over pasta.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden and crispy. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or herbs to the cheese sauce.
  • Use different cheeses such as Gruyère or mozzarella for variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Method: Baking, Stove-top
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 520 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 760mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg