Golden Baked Mac and Cheese with Panko Breadcrumb Topping Recipe
Classic homemade macaroni and cheese baked to perfection with a creamy cheddar sauce and a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping. This comforting dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, milk, butter, and flour, then baked until golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens slightly into a creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a rich and tangy flavor.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- For a creamier sauce, whole milk is recommended, but you can substitute with 2% milk if preferred.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a light, crunchy topping, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if unavailable.
- For extra flavor, consider stirring in a pinch of paprika or mustard powder into the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni and cheese, cheddar cheese pasta, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food
