Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping
A gooey, indulgent baked mac and cheese with a golden panko crust, perfect for family dinners or comfort food cravings. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 16 oz elbow macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens into a roux. Remove from heat.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 lb shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until fully combined and smooth. Add cooked macaroni and mix until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep elbow macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Crispy Panko Topping?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
