Name: Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

Golden, creamy, and bubbling with cheesy goodness, this Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese brings the perfect harmony of comfort and crunch to your dinner table. With a crisp, buttery topping over velvety cheese-covered pasta, it transforms the humble mac and cheese into a dish worth remembering.

This isn’t just your average stovetop version. It’s oven-baked with layers of flavor and texture: smooth, rich cheddar sauce hugging every noodle, topped with a golden crust that shatters with each bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday feasts, it satisfies adults and kids alike.

Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese

It’s the kind of meal that turns a rough day around. The rich cheese sauce is indulgent yet simple, and the baked topping adds just the right amount of texture to make it feel special. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding the family, this dish brings that nostalgic hug of home-cooked comfort, every time.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese or Should I Grate My Own?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, grating your own cheese makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture. Pre-packaged shreds often include anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For a creamy sauce that doesn’t clump or feel gritty, freshly grated cheese is the way to go.

Ingredients for the Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese

A few basic pantry staples come together to create something extraordinary. Here’s what you need:

Elbow macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds onto the cheese sauce perfectly, giving you flavor in every bite.

Butter: Used to start the roux and to crisp the topping, butter brings richness and that irresistible golden crust.

All-purpose flour: This is essential for thickening the cheese sauce without lumps.

Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce, balancing the sharpness of the cheese.

Sharp cheddar cheese: For bold, savory flavor, sharp cheddar is a must. Don’t skimp on quality here.

Salt and pepper: A simple seasoning duo to enhance the cheese.

Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and color to the topping.

Panko breadcrumbs: These extra-crispy Japanese-style breadcrumbs make for a superior topping.

Parmesan cheese: Mixed into the breadcrumbs, it gives the topping a salty, cheesy bite.

How To Make the Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. It’ll continue cooking in the oven, so don’t overdo it.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. Slowly add the milk, whisking to remove any lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens, then stir in the cheddar cheese until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.

Step 3: Combine and Transfer

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the noodles are fully coated. Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, grated Parmesan, and a dash of paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.

Storing and Serving Tips for Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese

This dish feeds about six people generously, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. To store leftovers, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and warm it in the oven or microwave.

If you’d like to make this ahead of time, assemble everything but wait to add the breadcrumb topping until just before baking. This keeps the crust from getting soggy.

What to Serve With Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese?

A Crisp Garden Salad

A light, fresh salad with vinaigrette provides a perfect contrast to the rich cheese.

Garlic Green Beans

Quick-sauteed green beans with garlic and olive oil add a simple, flavorful side.

Southern Fried Chicken

If you’re turning this into a comfort-food feast, juicy fried chicken is always a winner.

Roasted Broccoli and Carrots

For a veggie option that roasts alongside your mac and cheese, this is a colorful and healthy choice.

Cornbread Muffins

A classic Southern pairing, these slightly sweet muffins complement the salty cheese.

Tomato Soup

Creamy tomato soup with a side of mac and cheese? Total comfort food magic.

BBQ Pulled Pork

A great addition if you’re feeding a crowd or want a bold, smoky pairing.

Want More Comfort Food Ideas?

If this Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese hits the spot, you’ll want to check out these other cozy favorites:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different cheese blend or stick to classic cheddar? Maybe you added a hint of cayenne or tried it with bacon?

I love seeing how you personalize your dishes. Ask questions, share ideas—let’s make mealtime easier and tastier together.

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