Baked Macaroni Cheese Breadcrumbs (Printable Format)
Creamy baked macaroni and cheese topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust, perfect for cozy meals.
# What You Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 14 oz elbow macaroni
→ Cheese Sauce
02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 - 3 cups whole milk
05 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
10 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
11 - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
→ Topping
12 - 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs, preferably from day-old bread
13 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
14 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
15 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden.
04 - Gradually whisk in 3 cups of whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
05 - Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
06 - Remove the saucepan from heat. Add 2 cups grated sharp cheddar and 1 cup grated Gruyère cheeses. Stir gently until fully melted and smooth.
07 - Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
08 - In a small bowl, blend 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni.
09 - Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
10 - Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- This recipe turns simple macaroni and cheese into a golden, crispy delight you won't forget
- The creamy cheese sauce mixed with that crunchy topping feels like a secret treat you're sharing with your closest friends
02 -
- If you're new to making cheese sauces, whisk constantly when adding the milk to avoid lumps—it makes all the difference
- Using a mix of cheeses, especially Gruyère, lifts this dish from ordinary to unforgettable
03 -
- Using room temperature milk helps the sauce come together smoothly without clumps
- A mix of sharp and mild cheeses offers both flavor depth and the perfect melt