Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping

Introduction

Few dishes are as comforting, nostalgic, and universally loved as Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping. Creamy, cheesy pasta baked with a golden, crunchy topping is the ultimate comfort food that appeals to all ages. This dish combines tender macaroni coated in a rich cheddar cheese sauce, then finished with a buttery breadcrumb crust that adds the perfect contrast in texture.

The baked version takes mac and cheese to a whole new level—it’s hearty, flavorful, and ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or as a holiday side dish. While stovetop mac and cheese is delicious in its own right, baking it with a breadcrumb topping gives it that irresistible crunch and makes it feel extra special.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures everything I crave in comfort food: creamy, cheesy indulgence balanced with crispy, buttery breadcrumbs. The cheddar provides sharp, tangy richness, while the topping ensures every bite is exciting. It’s also a dish that feels just as at home on a casual weeknight as it does on a festive dinner table.

Another reason I adore it is its versatility. It can be a standalone main dish, a side to roasted meats, or even a make-ahead option for busy days. Leftovers reheat beautifully, and it’s one of those dishes that always sparks joy and nostalgia.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This baked mac and cheese is a must-try because it’s:

• Classic but elevated with the crunchy topping.
• Loved by all ages, from kids to adults.
• Customizable, allowing you to swap cheeses or toppings.
• Perfect for gatherings, as it can be made in advance and feeds a crowd.

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, satisfying dish that delivers both flavor and texture, this one is a true winner.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Course: Main Course / Side Dish
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: Approximately 480 calories per serving (based on 8 servings)

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk (warmed)
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for creaminess)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Breadcrumb Topping:

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook macaroni until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
3. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Add shredded cheddar (and Gruyère, if using), stirring until fully melted and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
2. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.

Step 4: Prepare Breadcrumb Topping

1. In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan, and parsley.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Pour mac and cheese into the dish and spread evenly.
4. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping over the pasta.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve as a main dish with a light salad or roasted vegetables.
• Use as a side dish for fried chicken, ribs, turkey, or steak.
• Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or weeknight comfort meals.

Recipe Tips

• Use block cheese and shred it yourself for the creamiest sauce (pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents).
• Don’t overcook pasta—it will continue cooking in the oven.
• Warm milk before adding it to the roux for a smoother sauce.
• If you like a more golden crust, broil for the last 1–2 minutes.

Variations

• Three-Cheese Mac: Mix cheddar with Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack.
• Spicy Mac: Add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the sauce.
• Bacon Mac: Stir in crispy bacon bits before baking.
• Veggie Mac: Add broccoli, spinach, or peas for a nutritious boost.
• Truffle Mac: Add a drizzle of truffle oil for gourmet flair.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer (uncooked): Assemble mac and cheese without baking. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cooking time.
• Freezer (cooked): Freeze cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large saucepan for sauce
• Whisk
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls

Conclusion

Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping is the definition of comfort food at its finest. With its creamy, cheesy interior and crispy golden crust, it satisfies cravings and brings joy with every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a family dinner centerpiece or a hearty side at a holiday feast, this baked mac and cheese will always be a favorite.

Print Recipe

Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American Courses: Pasta

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 8 Calories: 480 calories per serving

Description

Few dishes are as comforting, nostalgic, and universally loved as Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping. Creamy, cheesy pasta baked with a golden, crunchy topping is the ultimate comfort food that appeals to all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Pasta and Sauce:

• 1 lb (450 g)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk (warmed)
• 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère or mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for creaminess)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Breadcrumb Topping:

• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add shredded cheddar (and Gruyère, if using), stirring until fully melted and creamy.
3. Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan, and parsley.
5. Step 5: Assemble and Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour mac and cheese into the dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle breadcrumb topping over the pasta. Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
6. Step 6: Rest and Serve: Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Keywords: Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Topping