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Baked Macaroni with Crispy Topping: The Ultimate Comfort Food


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  • Author: Clara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Dive into a warm, creamy, and cheesy delight with this Baked Macaroni with Crispy Topping. Perfectly cooked pasta is enveloped in a rich cheese sauce and topped with buttery, golden breadcrumbs for the ultimate comfort food experience. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights at home!


Ingredients

Pasta Base

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 large eggs

Cheese Blend

  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (optional), grated

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder

Crispy Topping

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 23 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
  3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Stir in milk and heavy cream, heating gently until warm (do not boil).
  3. In a small bowl, whisk eggs. Gradually add a few spoonfuls of the warm milk mixture to temper the eggs, then whisk the mixture back into the saucepan.
  4. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted.
  5. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  1. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
  3. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the dish, spreading evenly.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Topping

  1. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter.
  2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pasta.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  2. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for an extra-crispy top, watching closely to avoid burning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American