A bubbling dish of baked mac and cheese topped with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs, bringing warmth and happiness to any table.

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Baked Mac And Cheese With Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

There’s nothing quite like a bubbling dish of baked mac and cheese, especially when it’s topped with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs. This classic comfort food is a beloved favorite that evokes memories of childhood and cozy family gatherings. The creamy cheese sauce envelops the tender macaroni in each mouthwatering bite, while the crispy topping adds a delightful contrast in texture that takes this dish to the next level.

Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or a comforting night in, this homemade baked mac and cheese is simple to prepare and sure to impress. With a rich medley of cheeses and an easy-to-make breadcrumb topping, it’s a dish that brings warmth and happiness to any table. Your friends and family will be asking for seconds (and maybe thirds!) when they taste this cheesy delight.

"This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked."

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Colby jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

"Gather your ingredients for the ultimate baked mac and cheese."

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it’s just golden.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
5. Stir in the mozzarella, Colby jack, and cheddar cheeses until they melt completely and the sauce is creamy.
6. Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
8. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the minced garlic and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
10. Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the cheeses for your favorites. Gouda or fontina make excellent alternatives for a deeper flavor.
• Optional Variations: Add cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for a twist! You could also spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
• Storage or Reheating Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Baked Mac And Cheese

A bubbling dish of baked mac and cheese topped with a crunchy layer of breadcrumbs, bringing warmth and happiness to any table.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

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Pasta and Cheese

• 2 cups elbow macaroni Cook until al dente
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Colby jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter Melt before adding flour
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour Create a roux
• 2 cups milk Whisk into the roux until thick
• 2 cloves garlic, minced For the topping

Topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs Combine with garlic for topping

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente, then drain and set aside.
• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it’s just golden.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
• Stir in the mozzarella, Colby jack, and cheddar cheeses until they melt completely and the sauce is creamy.
• Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
• In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the minced garlic and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Baking

• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
• Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Notes

Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the cheeses for your favorites. Gouda or fontina make excellent alternatives for a deeper flavor. Optional Variations: Add cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for a twist! You could also spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. Storage or Reheating Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Keyword Baked Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, comfort food, Easy Recipe, family dinner

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