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Unique Baked Macaroni With A Crispy Awesome Extra Top

Cheesy Baked Macaroni:
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This recipe for Cheesy Baked Macaroni offers a delightful combination of creamy pasta and a crispy, cheesy topping. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Optional: dash of paprika for color

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  4. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
  6. Add 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
  7. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine thoroughly.
  8. Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, the remaining 1 cup of Gruyere cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. If desired, add a dash of paprika for color.
  10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni in the baking dish.
  11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  12. Let the macaroni rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For an extra cheesy kick, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the topping.
  • If you prefer a spicier mac and cheese, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
  • You can experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or fontina.
  • To make this dish ahead of time, assemble everything up to step 9, cover, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pollyrecipes.com/cheesy-baked-macaroni-crispy-top/