Description
This gourmet baked mac and cheese with a crunch delivers a creamy, velvety cheese sauce paired with a crisp, buttery topping for the perfect comfort meal. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet elevated enough for gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cook pasta until slightly firm, then drain.
- Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
- Add milk slowly until creamy.
- Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Toss pasta with cheese sauce and spread in a baking dish.
- Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until golden.
Notes
- Add cooked chicken, turkey bacon, or steamed broccoli for optional variations.
- For extra crunch, broil during the last 2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6