This baked mac and cheese with bread crumbs is smothered in a Cheddar and Colby cheese sauce and topped with panko bread crumbs. Easily the best we’ve ever had. ☞ Like mac and cheese recipes? Try these:
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This baked macaroni and cheese boasts all the cheesy goodness of the usual American classic but with the spectacular addition of crunchy, buttery crumbs on top as well as the bonus points that it can be prepared in advance. What’s not to love?! Prep 30 mins Cook 45 mins Total 1 hr 15 mins
How to make this baked macaroni and cheese ahead of time?Prepare the macaroni and cheese as instructed above, keeping the panko or bread crumbs separate until ready to bake. The assembled, unbaked casserole without the topping can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, sprinkle the macaroni and cheese with the panko or bread crumbs, cover with buttered aluminum foil, and bake in 400°F (200°C) oven until warm throughout, 20 to 25 minutes. Uncover and continue to bake until the crumbs are crisp, 10 to 20 minutes more. Serving: 1portionCalories: 1040kcal (52%)Carbohydrates: 80g (27%)Protein: 46g (92%)Fat: 60g (92%)Saturated Fat: 36g (225%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 168mg (56%)Sodium: 951mg (41%)Potassium: 598mg (17%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 10g (11%)Vitamin A: 1881IU (38%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 992mg (99%)Iron: 3mg (17%) If you make this recipe, snap a photo and hashtag it #LeitesCulinaria. We’d love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.Recipe Testers’ ReviewsOriginally published February 14, 2017 Recipe © 2016 America's Test Kitchen. Photo © 2016 Carl Tremblay. All rights reserved. All materials used with permission. Why would you add breadcrumbs to the top of the macaroni and cheese before baking?Southern baked mac and cheese is one of my favorite comfort meals to make. It's creamy and loaded with tons of gruyere and white cheddar cheese. The breadcrumb topping adds tons of crunchy texture and buttery flavor!
Why do people put egg in baked mac and cheese?The egg will make the Mac and Cheese smoother and creamier. I have tried this recipe with and without adding the egg and it does affect the texture of the final recipe. In a medium bowl, beat one egg. Warm the egg by drizzling in, very slowly, 2-3 Tablespoons of the thickened milk mixture.
Can you put Italian bread crumbs on mac and cheese?Panko or regular breadcrumbs can be used- just make sure they're unseasoned (or you can use Italian Style Seasoned Bread crumbs and omit the extra herbs in the breadcrumb mixture). Any small or medium pasta can be used, such as macaroni, small penne, small shells, rotini, etc.
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