Baked Mac and Cheese (Easy, Creamy, Crispy Topping)
This easy baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and baked until bubbly. A cozy homemade classic that’s perfect for weeknights or holidays.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr
Total Time1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Course: Side
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked macaroni and cheese, baked pasta, creamy baked mac and cheese, easy baked mac and cheese, easy baked mac and cheese recipe, healthy macaroni and cheese, homemade baked mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, mac and cheese, mac and cheese bake, oven baked pasta
Servings: 8 servings
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta or similar shape (uncooked)
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken OR veggie broth
- 6 cloves grated garlic
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper more or less to taste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
Panko Parmesan Topping
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. In a baking dish add pasta, milk, broth, garlic, and spices. Cover and bake for 45-50 minutes.
16 ounces cavatappi pasta, 4 cups whole milk, 1 cup chicken OR veggie broth, 6 cloves grated garlic, 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
Add cheese and butter. Stir until cheese is melted.
3 tablespoons butter, 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
In a separate bowl add all the ingredients for the topping. Top the macaroni and cheese. Broil for 5-10 minutes or until top is golden brown!
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons melted butter
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 476kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 1091mg | Potassium: 383mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 757IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 439mg | Iron: 1mg