Ultimate Baked Mac & Cheese with a Crispy Twist

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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When it comes to comfort food, baked mac & cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. This version adds a crispy twist that elevates the classic dish to new heights. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it's sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients for Ultimate Baked Mac & Cheese with a Crispy Twist

Butter is the base for our roux, which thickens the sauce and adds a rich, buttery flavor. All-purpose flour works with the butter to form the roux, essential for our creamy sauce. Whole milk and heavy cream combine to create that luscious, velvety texture everyone loves in mac & cheese. The real stars, sharp cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese, bring bold and nutty flavors. Panko breadcrumbs add that irresistible crunch on top, while Parmesan cheese gives a salty, umami kick. Finally, parsley provides a fresh, herby note to balance the richness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Grate your own cheese for the best melting results — pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
  • Use a whisk for the roux to prevent lumps in your sauce.
  • For extra flavor, toast the breadcrumbs lightly before adding to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This baked mac & cheese pairs beautifully with a light garden salad to balance its richness. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside roasted chicken or grilled vegetables. A crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea complements the dish perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking to maintain their crunch.
Is there a substitute for Gruyere cheese?
Swiss cheese is a good substitute if Gruyere is unavailable, as it shares a similar flavor profile.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Shells, cavatappi, or rotini work well and hold the cheese sauce nicely.

Ultimate Baked Mac & Cheese with a Crispy Twist Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. This step ensures your mac & cheese won't stick later. Meanwhile, cook your elbow macaroni according to package instructions until it's al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it — perfect for baking. Once cooked, drain it well and set it aside for now.

Next up, grab a large saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter. Once it's bubbly, whisk in the flour. Stir constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring you break up any lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, around five minutes should do the trick.

Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until smooth and melted. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add your cooked macaroni. Stir until every piece is well coated in that dreamy cheese sauce.

Pour the cheesy macaroni into your prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Sprinkle this over the macaroni, spreading it evenly to cover the top. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Once baked, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce settle a bit and makes serving easier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and creamy cheese sauce with a hint of sharpness from the cheddar.
  • Crunchy topping for added texture and flavor contrast.
  • Simple ingredients that come together quickly.
  • Perfect for make-ahead meals or potlucks.

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then add the cooked macaroni, stirring to coat evenly.
8. Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
12. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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