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A vibrant bowl of gourmet baked mac and cheese topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust, garnished with fresh herbs, served on a rustic wooden table

Crunchy Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese

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A cheesy baked pasta casserole with a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni until al dente, 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 until smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese melts.
  5. Combine cheese sauce with cooked pasta. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
  6. In a small bowl, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle over pasta.
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.
  • Feel free to add cooked bacon or chopped herbs for extra flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450 Kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 21g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg