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A close-up of a golden-brown, crispy-topped mac and cheese dish in a rustic white ceramic baking dish, showing gooey cheese, tender pasta underneath, and a crunchy breadcrumb crust, garnished with fresh herbs and styled on a wooden surface.

Crunchy Baked Mac and Cheese

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A creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for comfort food lovers seeking quick, easy dinners.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni until al dente; drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in milk, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses until smooth.
  3. Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce, season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a baking dish.
  4. Combine breadcrumbs with olive oil and paprika, sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot.

Notes

  • You can substitute with different cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for variation.
  • For extra crunch, add chopped nuts or crispy bacon bits on top before baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 17g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg