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Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese With Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese With Crispy Breadcrumb Topping Bliss

This Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese With Crispy Breadcrumb Topping is a comforting dish with a perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce and crunchy toppings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Cavatappi Pasta can substitute with elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Butter Essential for your roux
  • 4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour if needed
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese for added creaminess
  • 2 cups Milk can use low-fat for a lighter option
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese can substitute with provolone
  • 2 cups Colby Jack Cheese can substitute with Monterey Jack
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese can use any sharp cheese
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Seasoned Breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs mixed with garlic and spices
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese can use Pecorino Romano for a twist

Equipment

  • Medium Bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Casserole Dish
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine seasoned breadcrumbs with melted butter, mixing well to ensure all breadcrumbs are coated. Set aside.
  2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add seasonings and sauté.
  3. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the butter mixture.
  4. Gradually add 8 ounces of cream cheese to the roux, stirring until melted and incorporated.
  5. Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking until it thickens.
  6. Stir in mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar cheeses until melted.
  7. Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the cheese sauce, folding gently.
  8. Spoon half of the mac and cheese into a greased casserole dish, top with shredded cheese, and add the remaining mac and cheese.
  9. Distribute the reserved breadcrumb mixture over the top.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  11. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
  12. Spoon the mac and cheese onto plates and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 600mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best results, use block cheese and shred it yourself. Avoid overbaking to maintain creaminess.

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