Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Name: Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Deutsch
Ingredients: 1 lb Elbow Macaroni; 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter; 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour; 4 cups Whole Milk, warmed; 1 tsp Salt (for sauce); 1/2 tsp Black Pepper; 1/4 tsp Ground Nutmeg; 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard; 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded; 8 oz Monterey Jack Cheese, freshly shredded; 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted (for topping)

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort with this Baked Macaroni and Cheese, a timeless dish that evokes warmth and nostalgia. Elbow macaroni is enveloped in a luxurious, velvety cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack, seasoned perfectly with a hint of Dijon and nutmeg. Topped with a golden, buttery panko breadcrumb crust, this casserole bakes to cheesy perfection, offering a delightful contrast of textures and an explosion of savory flavor in every spoonful.

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Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Prep Time20 min

Cook Time45 min

Servings8 servings

DifficultyMedium

Equipment

Large Saucepan9x13 inch Baking DishWhisk

Instructions

1
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2
While pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
3
Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon mustard.
4
Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine thoroughly.
5
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
6
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese sauce is bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories520 kcal

Protein24g

Fat30g

Carbohydrates

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Good alternatives or additions include Gruyère, Fontina, Gouda, or even a touch of smoked cheddar for extra flavor. Just ensure they melt well.

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy or separating?

Ensure your milk is warmed before adding it to the roux, and add the cheese off the heat, stirring until just melted. Overcooking the cheese sauce can cause it to become grainy.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free elbow macaroni and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. Ensure your breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.

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RECIPE BY

Leckere Rezepte

We are a team of passionate cooks and food enthusiasts.