Macaroni and Cheese With Crumb Topping
Welcome to Love With Recipes, where we transform everyday meals into extraordinary experiences! Today, we’re diving into the ultimate comfort food: Macaroni and Cheese With Crumb Topping. This isn’t your average mac and cheese; it’s a gourmet twist on a classic dish, perfect for potlucks or cozy family dinners. Let’s get cooking!
Recipe Details
Cook Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Cheese, Potluck, Oven, Stove Top, Less than 4 hours
Servings: 12
Calories: 529.3 per serving
Fat: 27.6g
Saturated Fat: 16.7g
Cholesterol: 78.8mg
Sodium: 498.8mg
Carbohydrates: 47.5g
Fiber: 2.1g
Sugar: 8.2g
Protein: 22.3g
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Asiago cheese, grated
- 3/4 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 8 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups whole milk
- 6 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups white cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 cups macaroni pasta
Instructions
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Prepare the Crumb Topping:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, Asiago cheese, and sweet paprika. Set this mixture aside for later. This topping will add a delightful crunch to your mac and cheese.
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Create the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and stir constantly for about 3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, then add the Dijon mustard and ground black pepper. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Mix in the grated white cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley, stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly.
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Prep Ahead:
- If you’re making this ahead of time, you can prepare both the crumb topping and the cheese sauce up to a day in advance. Cover them separately and refrigerate. When you’re ready to use them, rewarm the sauce over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of milk if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.
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Cook the Macaroni:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter a 15 x 10 x 2-inch glass baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally. This should take about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain the macaroni and return it to the pot. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir well to combine. Season to taste with salt if needed.
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Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the top.
- Dot the top with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, cut into small pieces.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is bubbling and the crumbs are golden brown, about 40 minutes.
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Serve:
- Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool slightly before serving. This will help the sauce set and make it easier to serve. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a delightful crunchy topping!
Tips for Perfect Macaroni and Cheese
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Cheese Selection:
- Feel free to mix and match cheeses. While Asiago and white cheddar are recommended, you can experiment with Gruyère, Parmesan, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique twist.
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Crumb Topping:
- For extra flavor, you can add a bit of garlic powder or finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the crumb topping mixture.
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Make-Ahead:
- This dish can be assembled and refrigerated up to a day in advance. Just bring it to room temperature before baking, or add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
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Vegetable Additions:
- For a nutritional boost, consider adding some cooked vegetables to the macaroni before mixing in the sauce. Steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted red peppers work beautifully.
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Extra Creaminess:
- If you prefer an even creamier sauce, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream or add an extra cup of shredded cheese.
Love With Recipes Pro Tip:
🧀 Cheese Storage: To keep your cheese fresh, store it in a breathable wrap like wax paper or parchment paper instead of plastic wrap. This prevents the cheese from sweating and developing mold quickly.
🥣 Leftovers: Leftover macaroni and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Conclusion
This Macaroni and Cheese With Crumb Topping is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a potluck or a family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of creamy cheese sauce and crunchy crumb topping creates a delightful texture contrast that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Thank you for choosing Love With Recipes for your culinary journey! We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious dish as much as we do. Happy cooking! 🍽️🧀🍲
