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Creamy Cheese Macaroni and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Breadcrumbs

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This creamy cheese macaroni and cheese features a silky, multi-cheese sauce and a crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni (or any short pasta like cavatappi or shells)
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (room temperature)
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves garlic, minced)
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
  4. Slowly pour in whole milk and evaporated milk, whisking constantly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
  5. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Pour drained macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
  7. In a mixing bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan, and smoked paprika.
  8. Transfer macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle breadcrumb topping over the surface.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and edges are bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother sauce. Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue cooking in the oven. If making ahead, assemble and refrigerate without the breadcrumb topping, then add topping just before baking. For gluten-free, use GF pasta, flour, and breadcrumbs. Add-ins like bacon, jalapeños, or roasted veggies are delicious variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, creamy, comfort food, baked, cheese, casserole, easy, family, kid-friendly, potluck, breadcrumbs

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-cheese-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-breadcrumbs-easy-homemade-comfort-food/