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Creamy One Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Topping Easy and Perfect

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A quick and easy one pot mac and cheese with a creamy sauce and a crispy golden topping, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 200 grams)
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (about 100 grams) – optional but recommended
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (about 50 grams)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (25 grams)
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs (about 50 grams)

Instructions

  1. Bring about 4 cups (960 ml) of salted water to a boil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of elbow macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain and set aside. Keep a cup of pasta water reserved.
  2. In the same pot, melt 3 tablespoons (45 grams) of unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 3 tablespoons (25 grams) of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until bubbly and golden but not browned.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups (480 ml) of whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded Gruyère, and ½ cup grated Parmesan. Stir gently until all cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Return the cooked pasta to the pot and stir gently to coat every noodle with the cheese sauce.
  6. Sprinkle ½ cup panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. Dust with ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika.
  7. Preheat the oven’s broiler on high. Place the skillet about 6 inches from the heat source and broil for 3-5 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Remove from oven carefully with oven mitts. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; cook just before al dente as it will continue cooking in the sauce. Constant whisking when making the roux prevents lumps. Use freshly grated cheese for a smooth sauce. Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the topping. Keep some pasta water to thin the sauce if needed. For a less intense broil, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes instead.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, one pot, creamy, crispy topping, comfort food, easy dinner, stovetop, broiler

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/creamy-one-pot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-topping-easy-and-perfect/