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A close-up of a golden baked mac and cheese topped with crunchy breadcrumbs and melted cheese, served in a rustic white dish. The pasta is creamy with a crispy golden crust, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of cheese sauce for visual appeal.

Crunchy Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese Delight

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A rich and creamy baked mac and cheese with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until thickened.
  5. Add cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  6. Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce. Transfer to a buttered baking dish.
  7. In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or sautéed onions to the cheese sauce.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Comfort food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 480 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 760mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg