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Creamy Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe with Toasted Breadcrumbs

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A creamy and crunchy homemade mac and cheese recipe featuring a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses topped with toasted buttery breadcrumbs. Perfect for cozy dinners and easy to make with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until smooth and bubbly but not browned.
  3. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  5. Pour cooked macaroni into cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  6. In a small skillet, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and garlic powder. Stir frequently until golden brown and toasted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  7. Transfer mac and cheese mixture to a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
  8. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Optionally broil for last 2 minutes for extra crunch, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to thicken and cool slightly.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and texture. Toast breadcrumbs separately in butter for extra crunch. Resting the dish after baking helps thicken the sauce. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan cheese, and toast breadcrumbs in olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, toasted breadcrumbs, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/creamy-homemade-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-toasted-breadcrumbs-easy-and-perfect/