Macaroni and Cheese with Crumb Topping

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Crumb Topping. Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Gruyère, this recipe elevates the classic dish with a boost of flavor from Dijon mustard and a hint of paprika. The crowning glory is a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping laced with Parmesan, adding irresistible texture to every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side dish, this baked mac and cheese comes together in just 45 minutes and serves six generously. Keywords: creamy macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, crumb topping, comfort food recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 400 grams elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons paprika
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 7

Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until combined.

Step 9

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Step 10

Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Let the macaroni and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2013.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4758.8

Total Fat 226.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 122.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.7g
Cholesterol 637.1mg	0%
Sodium 8177.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 447.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g	0%
Total Sugars 66.8g
Protein 235.2g	0%

Vitamin D 525.4IU	0%
Calcium 5159.3mg	0%
Iron 22.4mg	0%
Potassium 1977.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.7%

Protein: 19.7%

Carbs: 37.6%