Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe

Introduction

Mac and cheese is a timeless comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This creamy, cheesy baked version adds a crunchy topping for the perfect balance of textures. It’s easy to prepare and sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Whisk in flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly until the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle panko bread crumbs evenly on top, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, use half-and-half instead of whole milk.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for added flavor.
• Try grating a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella along with cheddar for a richer taste.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish and keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.

What type of cheese works best for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar is classic for its flavor and meltability, but blending cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan can enhance the dish’s richness and complexity.

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Topping Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

A classic homemade macaroni and cheese recipe featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and baked until golden brown. Perfectly comforting and cheesy comfort food made from scratch.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

Topping

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until bubbly. Whisk in the all-purpose flour, stirring constantly, and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.
3. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens slightly into a smooth sauce.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy mixture.
6. Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream or sour cream to the cheese sauce.
• Use sharp cheddar cheese for a robust flavor or combine with other cheeses like mozzarella or gruyere for variation.
• Be careful not to overcook pasta in boiling water since it will cook further in the oven.
• You can substitute panko bread crumbs with crushed crackers or omit topping for a softer finish.
• Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.

Keywords: mac and cheese, homemade macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food