Creamy Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Topping

Today, I’m excited to share a classic family favorite – Creamy Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Topping! This dish has become a staple at our Hailey family gatherings, and for good reason. It’s not only simple to prepare but also loved by everyone who tries it. Packed with rich flavors of cheese, garlic, and a hint of Dijon mustard, this mac and cheese recipe is comfort food at its finest. Plus, the optional panko breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch. Also, I always feel like a boss whenever I get to use my cast iron! Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Panko Topping:

• Delicious & Flavorful: It strikes the perfect balance between cheesy goodness and comforting flavors.
• Easy & Convenient: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
• Perfectly Creamy: The combination of cheeses makes it luxuriously creamy.
• A Visual Treat: Not only does it taste amazing, but it also looks fantastic with its golden panko topping.

Ingredients:

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups water
• 4 cups milk
• 1 lb. uncooked shell pasta
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 cups aged white cheddar cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup Colby cheese

For the Panko Topping (Optional):

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ½ tablespoon olive oil

Equipment Needed:

• Mixing Bowls – Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set (Set of 6)
• Whisk – OXO Good Grips 11in Whisk
• Baking Dish – Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet
• Measuring Spoons – OXO Good Grips 4 Piece Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons
• Knife – ZWILLING Professional S 7-inch
• Saucepan – All-Clad D3 3-Ply Stainless Steel Sauce Pan 3 Quart

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Instructions:

Step 1 – Creamy Cheese Sauce:

1. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
3. Gradually pour in the water, whisking continuously until the mixture becomes smooth.
4. Add the milk and whisk until well combined, creating a velvety cheese sauce.

Step 2 – Pasta Perfection:

5. Add the uncooked shell pasta, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and ground black pepper to the pot.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 9-10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3 – Cheesy Goodness:

7. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the aged white cheddar, Parmesan, mozzarella, and Colby cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted into the creamy sauce.

Step 4 – Panko Topping (Optional):

8. If you want to add a crispy panko breadcrumb topping:a. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumb mixture and stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 5 – Bake to Perfection:

9. Transfer the cheesy macaroni mixture into a large cast iron skillet or a baking dish.
10. If you’ve opted for the panko topping, generously spread it over the mac and cheese.
11. Place your skillet or baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes. Remove when the top is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbling with goodness.

Step 6 – Serve and Savor:

12. Take your masterpiece out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tip: Pair it with a crisp salad or some roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

There you have it – a recipe for Creamy Mac and Cheese that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for cheesy, comforting goodness. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as the main course, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and indulge in the creamy, cheesy delight that is homemade Mac and Cheese!

Stay tuned for more delicious recipes and food adventures on HeyHaileyFam.com. If you enjoyed this family style recipe, be sure to check out our Crispy Brussels Sprouts recipe!