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Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Made with Panko Crumbs

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Made with Panko Crumbs

This baked mac and cheese recipe is made with a buttery panko crumb topping. It’s extra cheesy, creamy, and delicious!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Side Dish
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box (16oz) elbow noodles
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 tbsp margarine
  • 1/3 c flour
  • 3 c milk
  • 1 c heavy whipping cream
  • 3 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 c shredded colby jack cheese
  • 1 c shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 c panko bread crumbs
  • 8 tbsp margarine
  • 1 c grated parmesan
  • salt & pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cook the elbow noodles as instructed on the box. Drain, stir in the extra virgin olive oil, and set aside.
  • In a large pan, melt the 6 tablespoons of margarine on medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour, adding a little at a time. Continue whisking until the mixture starts to turn to a golden color (about 1 minute).
  • Slowly pour in the milk and whisk until it is lump free. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and whisk until the mixture is smooth. There should be no clumps.
  • Still whisking, let the mixture cook until you see small bubbles start to form. Once you see the bubbles, cook for another minute.
  • Add in the cheddar, mozzarella, and colby jack cheese and continuously stir until the cheese is melted. You should now have a semi-thick creamy cheese sauce with no lumps.
  • Add the cheese mixture in with the noodles and mix until all of the noodles are covered in cheese sauce.
  • Then, pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. The dish will be full to the top so be careful!
  • In another bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs, 8 tablespoons of melted butter, and parmesan cheese together.
  • Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
  • Bake for 30 minutes.
Keyword sides