The Best Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese with Golden Crispy Topping

Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese

Outrageously cheesy, ultra creamy, and finished with a crunchy golden Panko-Parmesan topping, this baked mac and cheese is comfort food at its finest. A true family favorite that’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or weeknight dinners.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni (or other tubular pasta), cooked
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping:

• 1 ½ cups panko crumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 3- or 4-quart baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook pasta one minute shy of al dente according to package directions. Drain, place in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden and bubbly.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Cook until bubbling, then whisk for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add 2 cups shredded cheddar and whisk until smooth. Add 2 more cups and continue whisking until thick and creamy. Stir in Gruyere cheese until melted.
6. Add cooled pasta to cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
7. Pour half of the mac and cheese into prepared dish. Sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded cheese, then layer the remaining pasta mixture on top.
8. In a small bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
9. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot.

Pro Tips

• Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
• For extra flavor, mix in a pinch of mustard powder or cayenne into the cheese sauce.
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for best results.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese

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• Author: carlosramirez
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Outrageously cheesy and ultra creamy, this baked mac and cheese features a crunchy golden Panko-Parmesan topping, making it the ultimate comfort food.

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Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Topping:
• 1 ½ cups panko crumbs
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 3- or 4-quart baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook pasta one minute shy of al dente according to package directions. Drain, place in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss. Set aside.
3. In a saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden and bubbly.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Cook until bubbling, then whisk for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Add 2 cups shredded cheddar and whisk until smooth. Add 2 more cups and continue whisking until thick and creamy. Stir in Gruyere cheese until melted.
6. Add cooled pasta to cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
7. Pour half of the mac and cheese into prepared dish. Sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded cheese, then layer the remaining pasta mixture on top.
8. In a small bowl, mix panko, Parmesan, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
9. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serve hot.

Notes

Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy after baking. For extra flavor, mix in a pinch of mustard powder or cayenne into the cheese sauce. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered at 350°F for best results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American