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Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs: 1 Secret Crust

Baked Mac and Cheese with Breadcrumbs
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Learn the secrets to making the most comforting Baked Mac and Cheese, featuring a perfectly golden and crunchy breadcrumb topping. This recipe brings warmth and joy to your table, just like it has for our family for years.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, make the roux: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Do not let it brown.
  4. Gradually whisk in the warm milk until smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-8 minutes.
  5. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Add the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth. This is your cheese sauce.
  7. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  8. In a small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is deeply golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Using warm milk helps prevent lumps in your cheese sauce.
  • Toast the breadcrumbs separately for the best crunch; do not skip this step for that golden top!
  • For an extra cheesy flavor, substitute a small portion of the cheddar with smoked Gouda.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/baked-mac-and-cheese-with-breadcrumbs/