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Cozy Dump and Bake Macaroni and Cheese Recipe with Golden Crust

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A comforting, easy-to-make macaroni and cheese with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy golden breadcrumb crust, perfect for cozy nights and busy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shapes
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (3 tbsp for sauce, 1 tbsp for breadcrumb topping)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup plain or panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (optional for breadcrumb topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 6-7 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  4. Slowly whisk in milk, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
  6. Combine drained pasta with cheese sauce, mixing gently to coat.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. Melt 1 tablespoon butter and toss with breadcrumbs and optional smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until sauce bubbles and breadcrumb topping is golden and crispy.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushy texture after baking. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting. Toss breadcrumbs in melted butter for a golden, crunchy topping. Cover with foil halfway through baking if topping browns too quickly. Let dish rest 5 minutes before serving to set sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, comfort food, dump and bake, cheesy pasta, breadcrumb crust, easy dinner, cozy meal

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/cozy-dump-and-bake-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe-with-golden-crust/