Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping
This Baked Mac & Cheese with Crispy Topping is the ultimate comfort food—extra creamy, super cheesy, and topped with a golden, buttery crunch. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holidays, dinners, or any cozy night in!
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 9x13-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.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
Customize with add-ins like bacon, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
For make-ahead: assemble and refrigerate, then bake just before serving.