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Creamy Mac & Cheese Casserole – Easy Homemade Recipe with Crunchy Topping

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This creamy mac & cheese casserole features a velvety cheese sauce, a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack, and a golden, crunchy panko topping. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • Salt, for seasoning pasta water
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or more milk)
  • 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1/4 tsp paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt.
  2. Stir in elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until pale and foamy.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Increase heat to medium-high and stir until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese (if using). Add ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, pour cheese sauce over drained macaroni. Stir gently until coated.
  8. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
  9. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni mixture.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown. If edges brown too quickly, cover lightly with foil.
  11. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese for a smooth sauce. Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness. Add the panko topping just before baking for maximum crunch. Let casserole cool before serving to allow sauce to thicken. Easily adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with substitutions.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, casserole, comfort food, baked macaroni, cheesy pasta, family dinner, potluck, easy recipe, crunchy topping

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-casserole-easy-homemade-recipe-with-crunchy-topping/