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A close-up of a golden-brown baked mac and cheese served in a rustic white dish, topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust and melted cheese oozing at the edges, garnished with fresh herbs, with a warm, inviting background.

Crunchy Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese Delight

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This gourmet baked mac and cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, baked to perfection for a satisfying meal.

  • 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
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup bread crumbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until sauce thickens.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  5. Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce and pour into a greased baking dish.
  6. In a small bowl, toss bread crumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
  7. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and bubbly.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, add crushed kettle chips to the topping.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for a richer flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Comfort food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 480 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg