Andy Montoya
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, and one of the best ways to elevate it is by adding a toasted topping. A toasted topping adds a crunchy contrast to the rich and creamy dish. There are several ways to achieve this, from the classic buttery toasted breadcrumbs to more creative toppings like potato chips or French-fried onions. Panko crumbs are a popular choice for an extra-crispy topping, and you can even add Parmesan cheese, paprika, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. The key to a great toasted topping is to keep an eye on it, as it can quickly go from golden to burnt and bitter. With a little creativity and experimentation, you can take your mac and cheese to the next level!
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What You'll Learn
Use breadcrumbs for a classic topping
Breadcrumbs are a classic mac and cheese topping. For extra crunch and texture, use Japanese panko crumbs—these are unparalleled in texture, being light and crispy. You can also use regular plain or seasoned varieties, as well as crumbs you’ve made from slices of stale bread. They’re easy to season with just about any flavours you’d like. Keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try adding garlic powder, parmesan, or cayenne for a spicy kick.
If you want to add cheese to your topping, cool the crumbs to room temperature first to prevent melting and clumping. It’s best to add fresh herbs when the crumbs are just slightly warm or at room temperature so they don’t wilt.
You can bake your mac and cheese first and then add the breadcrumbs and grill, or simply bake with the breadcrumbs on top. If you choose the latter, keep an eye on your dish as the crumbs can go from golden to burnt and bitter very quickly.
Here's a sample recipe for a breadcrumb topping:
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small bowl.
- Add the breadcrumbs, season with salt and pepper, and stir until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the buttered crumbs over your macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
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Try Panko crumbs for extra crunch
Panko crumbs are a great way to add a crunchy topping to your mac and cheese. Panko is a type of Japanese breadcrumb that is lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, giving your mac and cheese a perfect light crunch without feeling too heavy or bready.
To make a Panko topping, combine the crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over your macaroni. You can also add cheese to the topping for extra flavour – try Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or even a hint of garlic powder for a golden, crusty finish.
If you want to get creative, you can experiment with different seasonings to find the crunch you like best. Try adding garlic powder, cayenne for a spicy kick, or fresh herbs for a unique flavour profile.
Panko crumbs are a simple way to add a crispy, crunchy contrast to the rich, creamy texture of mac and cheese. Whether you're making a baked macaroni casserole or a stovetop recipe, this topping is a quick and easy way to take your mac and cheese to the next level.
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Add cheese to the topping for ultimate crispiness
A crispy topping is a great way to finish off your mac and cheese, and adding cheese to the topping will only make it better. You can use a variety of cheeses for the topping, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Parmesan, or shredded cheese. If you're using Parmigiano Reggiano, make sure to cool the crumbs to room temperature first to prevent melting and clumping. You can also add other ingredients to the topping, such as breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, or herbs, to enhance the flavour and texture.
For a classic, crispy mac and cheese topping, you can use buttery toasted breadcrumbs. For extra crunch and texture, Japanese panko crumbs are a great option. You can also use regular plain or seasoned varieties, or even make your own crumbs from stale bread slices. Season the crumbs with salt and pepper, or try adding garlic powder, Parmesan, or cayenne for a spicy kick.
If you're looking for an even cheesier mac and cheese experience, try using a combination of shredded cheeses for the topping. First, pour half of the cooked mac and cheese into a baking dish. Then, top it with 2 cups of shredded cheese, and finally, add the remaining mac and cheese. For an extra cheesy crunch, you can mix shredded cheese with panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of your mac and cheese and bake it until it's golden brown and crispy.
Another option for a crunchy, cheesy topping is to use cheese sticks or crisps. These can be crushed and sprinkled over the mac and cheese before baking. If you're feeling creative, you can even make your own cheese crisps by melting cheese in a pan and letting it cool and crisp up.
No matter which method you choose, adding cheese to the topping of your mac and cheese is a great way to achieve the ultimate crispiness and take your dish to the next level.
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Season with garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, or thyme
To get a toasted top on your mac and cheese, you can use breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, or a combination of both. Panko is a type of Japanese breadcrumb that is made from a variety of ingredients, including wheat flour, salt, sugar, yeast, and oil. It is known for its light and crispy texture, making it a great option for creating a crunchy topping on dishes like mac and cheese.
To make the topping, combine the panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and seasonings in a small bowl. You can season this mixture with garlic powder, cayenne, paprika, or thyme to add some extra flavour to your dish. A sprinkle of garlic powder will add a savoury kick, cayenne will bring the heat, paprika will lend a subtle smokiness, and thyme will introduce a herbal, slightly minty aroma. You can use any one of these or mix and match to your taste. Play around with the quantities to find your preferred level of seasoning.
Once you've prepared your topping, sprinkle it over your mac and cheese before baking. Bake until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbly. This should take around 30 minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
For an extra cheesy topping, you can also add shredded cheese to the mac and cheese before sprinkling on the seasoned panko mixture. This will ensure a deliciously gooey and crispy top.
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For a gluten-free option, use a tiny bit of Dijon mustard
To make a gluten-free mac and cheese with a toasted top, you can use a tiny bit of Dijon mustard. This recipe will guide you through the steps to make a delicious, gluten-free mac and cheese with a crunchy, toasted topping.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a large 3-quart or 4-quart baking dish and set it aside. For the gluten-free option, you'll want to use gluten-free pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, stopping one minute short of al dente. Drain the pasta, drizzle it with olive oil, and set it aside to cool.
Now, it's time to make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt some butter over medium heat. Add an equal amount of flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and golden. Gradually whisk in cold milk to prevent the flour from clumping. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth. You can also add heavy cream at this stage for extra creaminess.
Next, it's time to add the cheese. Grate your own cheese for the best results, as pre-grated cheese can make the sauce grainy. Add your chosen cheese gradually, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. A combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyere is a great option, but you can also use cheddar and leek rings, or mozzarella, jack cheese, or pepper jack for a little extra spice. You can also add cream cheese for a creamier texture. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, and a tiny bit of Dijon mustard to taste.
Now, it's time to assemble the dish. Pour half of the cooked macaroni into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top, then add the remaining macaroni. For the gluten-free topping, combine gluten-free breadcrumbs, butter, and your choice of seasonings. You can use simple salt and pepper, or add garlic powder, Parmesan, or cayenne for an extra kick. Sprinkle the topping over the macaroni, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
Finally, bake the mac and cheese until it's bubbly and golden brown. This should take around 20-30 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy the cheesy, gluten-free goodness with a crunchy, toasted top!
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Frequently asked questions
For a toasted, crunchy topping, you can use breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, or potato chips. For extra flavour, season the crumbs with parmesan, garlic powder, cayenne, or paprika.
There are many different types of cheese that work well in mac and cheese. Some popular options include sharp cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, and American.
Depending on the recipe, you should bake your mac and cheese for around 20 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Yes, mac and cheese can be made in advance and refrigerated or frozen. It will stay fresh in the fridge for 3 to 5 days.
To make a cheese sauce, start by creating a roux with equal parts butter and flour. Whisk this over medium heat until bubbly, then gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Finally, add in your cheese and stir until melted.
