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This mac and cheese casserole hits the comfort food sweet spot. It's super creamy with a perfectly golden, crunchy top layer. You'll find it works great as a side dish or main course—either way, your family will ask for it again and again.
Heartwarming Versatility
This dish takes regular mac and cheese up a notch with its silky sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. It's a breeze to make, warms up nicely, and fits right in at holidays, potlucks, or cozy dinners at home. Everyone loves the rich flavors and comforting textures no matter the occasion.
Must-have Ingredients
- Macaroni: 350g cooked until just firm. Go for golden, well-shaped pasta.
- Butter: 60g softened, unsalted for a smooth mixture.
- Flour: 30g all-purpose, lump-free for a smooth base.
- Milk: 500ml whole milk at room temp for extra creaminess.
- Heavy cream: 250ml chilled for added richness.
- Cheddar: 250g freshly grated for the best flavor punch.
- Dijon mustard: 5ml to kick up the sauce flavor.
- Breadcrumbs: 100g preferably panko for extra crunch.
- Parmesan (optional): 25g grated for deeper flavor.
Simple Preparation Steps
- Get Your Oven Ready
- Heat oven to 190°C. Butter a 23x33cm baking dish.
- Boil the Pasta
- Cook 350g macaroni in salted water until firm to bite. Drain and set aside.
- Start Your Base
- Melt 60g butter in a pot. Mix in 30g flour and cook for 2 minutes until it turns golden.
- Create Cheese Sauce
- Slowly pour in 500ml milk and 250ml cream. Cook until thickened. Stir in 250g cheddar and 5ml mustard until smooth.
- Combine Everything
- Mix the pasta into the sauce. Pour into your buttered dish.
- Top It Off
- Mix 100g breadcrumbs with 30g melted butter (and 25g parmesan if you want). Sprinkle over the pasta.
- Bake Until Done
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it cool for 5 minutes before digging in.
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Tasty Serving Ideas
Pair this creamy dish with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Want to jazz it up? Add a few drops of hot sauce or sprinkle extra cheese on top right before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- Sure, make the dish but skip the topping. Chill it in the fridge, and when ready, add the topping and bake. Extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
- → What cheeses work best?
- Sharp cheddar gives flavor, mozzarella makes it gooey, and parmesan adds depth. Swap cheeses if you prefer others.
- → How do I stop the sauce from clumping?
- Pour the milk slowly while whisking non-stop. Melt the cheese off the heat and mix it in gradually.
- → What's the secret to a crispy topping?
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones and toss them with melted butter. Avoid pressing the crumb layer down too much.
- → Can I swap out the pasta?
- Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but penne, fusilli, or any smaller shape works great to hold the sauce.