Ultimate Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
This mac and cheese delivers a creamy, savory base with a perfectly crisp breadcrumb topping. The blend of cheddar, Gruyère, and American cheese creates a silky melt, while sage, paprika, and a touch of hot sauce add depth and warmth. Ideal for a comforting family dinner that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
Recipe by Food52· Structured by ReelsMeals
From: Instagram(view original)
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Cooking context
50 min estimated total time for 4 servings.
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Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup half and half
- 1 cup milk
- a pinch salt
- a pinch nutmeg
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup American cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 375°F (374°F).
- 2Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- 3In a saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in 4 tbsp flour and cook for 1‑2 minutes to form a roux.
- 4Gradually whisk in 1 cup half and half and 1 cup milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
- 5Add 1 tsp sage, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce, letting it steep for a minute.
- 6Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in shredded cheddar, Gruyère, American cheese, and mozzarella until fully melted.
- 7Stir in 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and the drained macaroni until well coated.
- 8Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- 9Pulse stale bread in a food processor until chunky crumbs form.
- 10Mix the crumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp sage, 1 tsp paprika, and 1 minced garlic clove.
- 11Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- 12Bake for 10‑12 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- 13Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to make Ultimate Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping?
- About 50 minutes in total: 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking.
- How many servings does this Ultimate Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping recipe make?
- This recipe makes 4 servings as written; ingredient quantities on this page can be scaled.
- Where does this Ultimate Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumb Topping recipe come from?
- It was shared by Food52 on instagram.com. ReelsMeals structured the original post into this step-by-step card; the original is linked above.