Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch is a classic comfort food turned up a notch! Creamy, cheesy pasta baked to perfection, with a golden, crispy topping that adds the perfect crunch every time. The smooth, gooey cheese sauce contrasts beautifully with the breadcrumb crust, making each bite absolutely satisfying.
I love making this when I want something familiar but a bit special. The crunchy topping is my favorite part—sprinkling just the right amount of buttery breadcrumbs on top gives it that extra pop. It’s easy to customize too, whether you want to add a little extra sharp cheddar or mix in some herbs for a fresh twist.
This dish is perfect for sharing. I often serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness. It’s always a hit at get-togethers or cozy weeknight dinners, and I find it’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta holds the cheese sauce well thanks to its shape. If you don’t have elbow macaroni, small shells or cavatappi work great too!
Cheddar and Gruyère: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, while Gruyère melts smoothly and adds nuttiness. You can swap Gruyère for Fontina or Monterey Jack if needed.
Milk and Heavy Cream: Using both makes your sauce creamy and rich. If you want a lighter version, swap heavy cream with more milk or use 2% milk instead of whole milk.
Butter and Flour (Roux): This combo thickens the sauce. Make sure to cook the flour and butter well to avoid a raw taste in your sauce.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the topping a great crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers are fine alternatives.
How Do You Make a Smooth, Lumpy-Free Cheese Sauce?
The key is making a good roux and adding milk slowly to avoid lumps. Here’s my approach:
- Start by melting butter and stirring in flour for 2 minutes over medium heat. Stir constantly so it doesn’t brown.
- Slowly add milk and cream in small amounts, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth.
- Keep whisking as it thickens to a creamy texture. This usually takes 5-7 minutes.
- Once thick, take off the heat before adding cheese so the sauce doesn’t separate.
- Stir cheese in gradually and gently until melted and smooth.
Patience and steady whisking are your best friends here. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta easily without crowding it.
- Whisk – helps keep the cheese sauce smooth and lump-free when mixing milk and roux.
- Large saucepan – perfect for making the cheese sauce with enough space to whisk continuously.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – roomy enough for even baking and a crispy topping.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – for combining pasta and cheese sauce evenly without breaking the noodles.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky, salty twist that pairs great with cheddar.
- Mix in steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower to add some healthy greens and texture contrast.
- Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
- Swap Gruyère with Fontina or mozzarella for a milder cheese flavor and extra gooeyness.
Gourmet Baked Mac and Cheese with a Crunch
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded (or another good melting cheese)
Milk and Sauce Ingredients:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (divided: 4 tbsp for sauce, 4 tbsp for topping)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional, for breadcrumb topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, including boiling the pasta and making the cheese sauce, plus 25-30 minutes baking time to get that golden crunchy top. Let it rest 5 minutes after baking before serving. Total time: roughly 45-50 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pasta:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish (around 9×13 inches) with butter or cooking spray. Then, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for about 7 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour and keep whisking constantly for 2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce. Slowly add the milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue stirring and cooking for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles. Remove from heat and stir in Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
3. Combine and Bake with Crunchy Topping:
Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well combined. Transfer this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. For the topping, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and toss with the panko breadcrumbs and dried thyme or Italian seasoning if desired. Sprinkle this evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and crunchy, and the cheese sauce is bubbly around the edges. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to use small shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just adjust cooking time to keep them al dente.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Can I Add Vegetables or Meat?
Definitely! Stir in cooked bacon, steamed broccoli, or roasted veggies before baking for extra flavor and nutrition.
