Creamy Macaroni and Cheese with Crispy Topping

🔥 KITCHEN FINDS

3 Clever Kitchen Gadgets Worth Checking Out

These handy little gadgets make cooking easier — and they're actually pretty cool.

This Kitchen Gadget Sprays AND Pours Oil

One bottle for spraying, pouring and keeping cooking oil close at hand.

Check It Out on Amazon →

This Weird Little Tool Slices Watermelon for You

Slice, cube and grab watermelon with one ridiculously simple little gadget.

Check It Out on Amazon →

Mix & Pour Pancake Batter Without the Mess

Mix the batter right in the bottle, then squeeze it straight onto the griddle.

Check It Out on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Creamy macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy nights in or a quick weeknight dinner. With its rich cheese sauce enveloping tender elbow macaroni and a crispy topping that adds delightful texture, this dish is sure to satisfy any craving. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy macaroni and cheese is not just easy to make; it’s also incredibly satisfying and versatile. Whether you’re feeding a family or just indulging yourself, this recipe has you covered.

• Comforting Flavor: The creamy cheese sauce is a warm hug in a bowl.
• Crispy Topping: A golden-brown crust adds the perfect crunch.
• Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Customizable: Make it your own with various add-ins.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure every piece is coated.
7. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
8. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips for the Best Results

• For an extra cheesy dish, mix in a variety of cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère.
• Don’t rush the sauce; allowing it to thicken properly ensures a creamy texture.
• For added flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or spinach.

Easy Variations

• Add cooked ground beef or shredded chicken for a heartier meal.
• Stir in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or some jalapeños for heat.

What to Serve With It

• A fresh garden salad for a light contrast.
• Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a nutritious side.
• Garlic bread for a classic pairing.

Storage and Reheating

📚 RECIPE LOVER FINDS

Love Trying New Recipes? Check These Out

Save your favorites, discover something different, or make meal planning a whole lot easier.

❤️ Love This Recipe? Save Your Favorites

Keep all those recipes you actually want to make again together in your own recipe book.

See It on Amazon →

🔥 Yep, Snoop Dogg Has a Cookbook

From Crook to Cook brings Snoop's spin to comfort food, classics and seriously fun recipes.

Check It Out on Amazon →

🥗 100+ Meals You Can Make Ahead

Simple make-ahead recipes and quick-assembly meals for making the week way easier.

See It on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Recipe Card