The Ultimate Comfort Food Just Got a Crispy Upgrade
Few dishes stir up warm, nostalgic memories like mac and cheese—but this Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping takes it to another level. Creamy, gooey cheese surrounds tender pasta, all blanketed under a golden, buttery, crunchy crust that shatters with every bite. It’s a comfort classic reimagined with irresistible texture and bold, cheesy flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for a holiday, potluck, or cozy weeknight dinner, this version is the kind of recipe that brings everyone back for seconds. It’s trending not just for its flavor but because it offers that restaurant-quality finish at home.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Cheese Sauce – A blend of melty cheeses creates a velvety sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Golden Crunchy Topping – Panko crumbs toasted with butter deliver satisfying crispiness in every bite.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and a straightforward process make it great for beginner cooks.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for family dinners, parties, and holidays.
- Customizable – Add bacon, jalapeños, or use gluten-free pasta—make it your own!
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping
Elbow Macaroni
A traditional choice that holds cheese sauce beautifully. Al dente texture ensures it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
Cheddar Cheese
Provides a bold, classic cheese flavor and melty texture—essential for mac and cheese.
Gruyère or Monterey Jack
Adds creaminess and mild depth to complement the sharp cheddar.
Whole Milk & Cream
Creates a smooth, rich base for the cheese sauce—don’t substitute with low-fat for best results.
Butter & Flour
Used to make a roux for thickening the cheese sauce without clumps.
Panko Breadcrumbs
Light and crunchy, perfect for creating a golden, crispy topping.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
Adds a salty, nutty kick to the breadcrumb topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping
- Cook the Pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. - Add the Milk & Cream
Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened. - Melt in the Cheese
Turn off heat. Add shredded cheddar and Gruyère. Stir until completely melted. - Combine with Pasta
Fold in the cooked pasta until every piece is coated in cheesy goodness. - Prepare the Topping
Mix panko with melted butter (and Parmesan, if using) in a bowl. - Assemble & Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, sprinkle topping evenly, and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Expert Tip:
For the crispiest topping, broil the last 2 minutes—but watch it closely!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Add spice with cayenne, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños.
- Make it protein-packed by mixing in cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage.
- Use different cheeses like smoked Gouda, fontina, or pepper jack for new flavor profiles.
- Gluten-free? Use GF pasta and panko alternatives to keep it just as crispy.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
Let mac and cheese cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Add a splash of milk before microwaving to bring back creaminess. Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
To re-crisp the topping, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping, you’ll definitely want to try these other hearty, oven-baked comfort foods. Warm up your weeknights with these reader favorites:
- Parmesan Baked Pork Chops – Juicy, tender pork chops coated in a crispy Parmesan crust and baked to perfection.
- Baked Ziti Recipe – A classic Italian-American pasta bake loaded with cheese and savory tomato sauce.
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup – Creamy, cheesy, and topped with bacon, this soup brings all the flavors of a loaded potato into one bowl.
These recipes are perfect complements to your comfort food lineup!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make baked mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it (without baking) and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed—add an extra 5–10 minutes to compensate for the chill.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
Grainy sauce often happens from overheating the cheese. Remove from heat before adding cheese and stir gently until melted.
Can I freeze baked mac and cheese?
Yes, but it’s best frozen before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake 20 more minutes.
Which pasta shapes work best?
Elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi are great because they hold sauce well and bake evenly.
There’s a reason Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping remains a timeless favorite—it’s comforting, crowd-pleasing, and now crunchier than ever. Whether you’re looking for the perfect potluck dish or a cozy dinner idea, this version delivers in both taste and texture.
Try it today and let us know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe and follow for more comforting favorites.
Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 5 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Cook, stirring, until thickened.
- Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from heat.
- Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella until smooth.
- Fold in the cooked pasta and transfer to the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and paprika.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness.