Easy One Pot Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Easy One Pot Baked Mac and Cheese, featuring a rich, creamy sauce and a delightful crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, shells, or penne)
- Whole milk (or 2% milk)
- Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese or Gruyère cheese
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Mustard powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Breadcrum extractbs
Instructions
- In a large, oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and broth, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking occasionally.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the simmering liquid. Stir well to ensure all pasta is submerged. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the shredded cheeses, stirring continuously until all the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce.
- In a separate small bowl, if your 'Breadcrum extractbs' aren't already seasoned, add a tiny drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of garlic powder, and some dried parsley. Sprinkle the 'Breadcrum extractbs' evenly over the top of the mac and cheese in the pot.
- Transfer the pot (uncovered) to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the 'Breadcrum extractbs' topping is golden brown.
- Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Let the mac and cheese rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: For a creamier result, use more milk and less broth. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and add-ins like jalapeños or protein for a heartier meal. Always use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture.