The Best Skillet Mac and Cheese
This skillet mac and cheese is topped with a panko crust and finished in the oven for a crisp topping and creamy texture the whole family will love!
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time35 minutes mins
Total Time35 minutes mins
Course: Meals, Quick Recipes, Recipes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: easy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, mac and cheese, skillet mac and cheese
Servings: 6
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 2/3 cup whole milk warmed
- 1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2/3 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 7 slices Cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 2/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Preheat the oven to 350° F.
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, making sure to leave it slightly al dente.
In a 12-inch cast iron skillet, add 1/4 cup butter, and melt over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour. Heat for 1 minute or until bubbling, stirring constantly.
Slowly stir in the cream and milk, whisking until the mixture thickens. Add salt, pepper, ground mustard, garlic powder and paprika. Stir just until combined.
Remove the skillet from the heat, and whisk in the shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar cheese.
Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce.
Remove half of the macaroni, and set aside. Layer the cheese slices on top of the noodles in the skillet. Then, spread the reserved macaroni on top.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and bread crumbs. Spread the mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden and the mixture is bubbly. Serve warm!
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 511kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 74mg | Sodium: 941mg | Potassium: 357mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1419IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 274mg | Iron: 1mg