Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping

Name: Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 250 g macaroni; 7 tbsp unsalted butter; 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup flour; 3 cup milk; 2 cup Gruyere cheese, freshly shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp mustard powder

This baked mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and finished with a golden panko crust for the perfect contrast of textures. A smooth cheese sauce coats tender macaroni before everything bakes just long enough to bubble and brown without drying out.

Servings6 Portions

Prep Time10 Mins

Cook Time60 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

macaroni
250 g
unsalted butter
7 tbsp
panko breadcrumbs
0.7 cup
flour
0.3 cup
milk
3 cup
Gruyere cheese, freshly shredded
2 cup
mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
1 cup
salt
0.3 tsp
garlic powder
1 tsp
onion powder
0.5 tsp
mustard powder
0.5 tsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish or use a large oven-safe skillet.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 1 minute less than the package directions so it stays firm after baking.

Drain the pasta well, return it to the pot, and toss with 1 tbsp butter until coated. Set aside while you make the sauce.

Make the topping by mixing the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the remaining 4 tbsp butter. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux.

Slowly whisk in about 1 cup of milk until the mixture is smooth, then whisk in the remaining milk. Keep whisking until no lumps remain.