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A vibrant plate of golden-brown, crispy topped baked mac and cheese featuring creamy cheese sauce and crunchy breadcrumb crust, garnished with fresh herbs, presented on a rustic wooden table.

Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese – Ultimate Comfort Food

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A cheesy baked pasta dish with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, ideal for comfort food lovers seeking a hearty, satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk, cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni. Transfer to a baking dish.
  5. Mix bread crumbs with paprika and sprinkle over the top.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add cooked bacon bits or sautéed onions.
  • You can use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 450 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg