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Smoky Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Cheddar Crust

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Indulgent, creamy mac and cheese with a smoky twist and crispy cheddar crust, perfect for cozy dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
  4. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling but not browned.
  5. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup of smoked Gouda. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until the cheese melts completely.
  7. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing until evenly coated.
  8. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
  9. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
  10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  12. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

[‘Don’t overcook the pasta to ensure it holds up after baking.’, ‘Keep the heat low when melting the cheese to avoid a grainy texture.’, ‘Toss breadcrumbs with melted butter for even crisping.’, ‘Smoked paprika is essential for the smoky flavor.’, ‘Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning before combining with the pasta.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoky mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, crispy cheddar crust

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/smoky-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-cheddar-crust/