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Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe: Best Homemade with Crispy Breadcrumbs

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This creamy mac and cheese features a velvety cheese sauce made with cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan, topped with buttery, crispy breadcrumbs for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tsp salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder (optional)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)

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 elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley (if using). Toss until evenly coated and set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden and nutty.
  5. Slowly add whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-6 minutes.
  6. Lower heat and add cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until smooth and melted. Add salt, black pepper, paprika, and dry mustard powder. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat.
  8. Pour cheesy macaroni into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy. For extra crunch, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce. Cook pasta just to al dente to avoid mushy noodles. You can make this gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour. Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess. For extra crunch, broil the topping briefly at the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, family dinner, potluck recipe, crispy breadcrumbs, easy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-recipe-best-homemade-with-crispy-breadcrumbs/