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Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with Golden Crispy Topping

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with Golden Crispy Topping
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A creamy, cheesy Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with a golden crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for quick, comforting meals. This classic dish pairs a rich, velvety cheese sauce with tender elbow macaroni and finishes with a buttery, crunchy crust for delightful texture contrast, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)

Topping

  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the cheese sauce.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until golden and bubbly for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
  3. Melt the Cheese In: Lower the heat and stir in grated cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of mustard powder if using. This creates the creamy heart of your mac and cheese.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until all the noodles are evenly coated. Transfer this mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly for an even bake.
  5. Add the Golden Crispy Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until crumbly, then sprinkle generously over the macaroni mixture. This will bake into a crunchy, golden topping that everyone will love.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy, and the cheese sauce bubbles up around the edges.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for best flavor and melting quality.
  • Do not overcook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Butter your breadcrumbs before topping to get a beautifully golden crust.
  • Let mac and cheese rest 5-10 minutes after baking to set the sauce.
  • Mix different cheeses to add depth and balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta bake, golden breadcrumb topping, comfort food

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/easy-baked-mac-and-cheese-with-golden-crispy-topping/