Smoky Paprika Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Herb Topping

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A creamy, deeply flavored macaroni dish with smoked paprika-infused cheese sauce and a golden, herb-crusted top for irresistible comfort. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 50 minutes pairs elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, smoked gouda cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.

★ 4.1 (14 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 25 min Serves 8 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add 12 oz elbow macaroni, and cook for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until golden, then gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk until smooth and bubbling.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded smoked gouda, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, until cheese melts and sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon, about 4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tbsp chopped parsley evenly over the top.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 25 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy and the edges bubble. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Paprika Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Herb Topping take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 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 Smoky Paprika Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Herb 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 Smoky Paprika Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Herb 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 Smoky Paprika Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Herb 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 Smoky Paprika Baked Mac and Cheese with Crispy Herb 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.

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