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creamy mac and cheese recipe Smoked Paprika Crust
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This creamy mac and cheese recipe features a golden, bubbling cheese sauce and an irresistible crunchy smoked paprika topping. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that is easy to prepare and budget-friendly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni, medium shells, or rotini
- 4 cups freshly shredded cheese (2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup Gruyere, 1 cup Monterey Jack)
- 3 cups whole milk
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 1.5 Tbsp genuine smoked paprika
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder (optional)
- 2 Tbsp melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook The Pasta: Boil 1 pound (450g) pasta al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Make The Roux: Melt 0.5 cup (113g) butter in a large pot. Whisk in 0.5 cup (60g) flour; cook 1-2 minutes until thick, golden, and nutty-smelling.
- Whisk In Milk: Gradually whisk in 3 cups (720ml) warm whole milk until smooth. Simmer, whisking, until the sauce visibly thickens and coats a spoon, 5-7 minutes. (If it seems too thick, whisk in 0.25 cup warm milk).
- Melt The Cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in 4 cups (450g) shredded cheeses until fully melted and smooth, a handful at a time. Season with salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Taste and adjust.
- Combine & Transfer: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce; stir until coated. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare Smoked Paprika Crust: Combine 1.5 cups (90g) Panko breadcrumbs, 2 Tbsp (30g) melted butter, and 1.5 Tbsp (10g) smoked paprika in a small bowl. Stir until evenly coated and fragrant.
- Bake To Perfection: Sprinkle Smoked Paprika Crust over mac and cheese. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly, golden brown, and crispy. Let rest 5-10 minutes.
Notes
For an extra creamy texture, add 2-4 oz of cream cheese or mascarpone. Grate your own block cheese for smoother melting and use genuine Spanish smoked paprika for authentic taste. To save time, pre-shredded cheese can be used, but block cheese offers a superior melt. For a quick stovetop version, skip baking and stir in the crust ingredients before serving. For extra sharpness, add a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 200 g)
- Calories: 480 calories
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg