Go Back
–+ servings
Baked Mac Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping

Indulgent Baked Mac Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping

Baked Mac Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping is a creamy, indulgent comfort food with a crunchy topping, made in just 50 minutes!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 5 tablespoon butter This provides a rich base for your cheese sauce.
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour Helps thicken the sauce for that creamy texture.
  • 3 cups milk Use whole milk for a richer flavor.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Adds a tangy taste that enhances the dish.
  • 2 ½ cups Gruyère cheese, shredded Brings nuttiness and depth to the cheese mixture.
  • 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded Ensures a melty, gooey consistency.
For Seasoning
  • 3 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds a touch of zing that balances the richness.
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder Infuses a lovely aroma and flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder Complements the cheese blend beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Enhances all flavors and ties the dish together.
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper Adds a hint of spice to the overall flavor.
For the Pasta and Topping
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni, cooked The backbone of this baked mac cheese masterpiece!
  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs Gives that beloved crispy topping we all crave.
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated Adds extra flavor and crispiness when baked.

Equipment

  • large saucepan
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 5 tablespoons of butter until bubbling. Add ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, stirring constantly until it forms a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in 3 cups of milk, whisking continuously until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of sharp cheddar, 2 ½ cups of Gruyère, and 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, along with the Dijon mustard and seasonings.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni with the cheese sauce, folding until every piece is coated.
  6. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
  7. In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup of panko breadcrumbs with ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix and sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
  9. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize it with added ingredients like cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving for better texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!