Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Panko Topping

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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Panko Topping

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Panko Topping is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. The creamy mac and cheese is made with a blend of three cheeses and topped with a crunchy panko and butter topping. It’s the perfect combination of cheesy goodness and crunchy texture.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 1 minute.
  4. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce has thickened.
  5. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  7. Pour the macaroni and cheese into an 8×8-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!