Mac And Cheese Magic: Best Bread Crumb Toppings

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be made in numerous ways. One of the most popular methods is to top it with breadcrumbs, which provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pasta beneath. The type of breadcrumbs used can vary, with some recipes calling for panko, a Japanese-style breadcrumb, while others suggest regular dried breadcrumbs, or even homemade breadcrumbs made from stale bread. Regardless of the type of crumb, the key to a delicious macaroni and cheese topping is to toss the crumbs with melted butter before sprinkling them over the dish and baking until golden. This creates a crisp, golden crust that complements the gooey, cheesy noodles beneath.

Breadcrumbs on top of mac and cheese

The Best Breadcrumbs for Mac and Cheese

The best type of breadcrumbs to use for mac and cheese is a matter of personal preference. You can use panko breadcrumbs, which are made from bread without crusts and result in a lighter, crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs are also an option and will give a slightly denser, crunchier texture. You can also make your own breadcrumbs by processing stale bread in a food processor or blender.

Cheese Choices

When it comes to the cheese sauce, a combination of two or more types of cheese is key to achieving a big cheesy flavour and a wonderfully creamy texture. Cheddar is a popular choice for its sharp flavour and good melting properties. Other options include Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Gouda, Colby, Raclette, Jarlsberg Swiss, and Parmesan.

How to Make the Topping

To make the topping, melt some butter in a pan and add the breadcrumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper, or add other ingredients like Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, or crushed red pepper for extra flavour. Mix everything together until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated, and then sprinkle them over the macaroni and cheese.

Baking

Bake the mac and cheese in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the macaroni and cheese is bubbling.

Tips and Variations

• For a more indulgent dish, try mixing some shredded cheese into the breadcrumbs before sprinkling them on top.
• If you want to add some crunch without using breadcrumbs, you can use crushed-up butter crackers or crushed-up croutons.
• You can also season your breadcrumbs with spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to give your mac and cheese an extra kick.
• If you're short on time, you can assemble the entire dish, minus the topping, and refrigerate it for up to two days before baking.
• To reheat leftovers, place the mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover with aluminium foil, and heat at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Adding breadcrumbs to the top of your mac and cheese is a great way to elevate a simple dish and impress your guests or family. With a variety of cheese and seasoning options, you can make this dish your own and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal.

Breadcrumbs under the cheese

While the general consensus is to put breadcrumbs on top of macaroni and cheese, there are some who opt to put them underneath the cheese. One person shared their experience of their sister putting the breadcrumbs under the cheese, resulting in only the breadcrumbs in the gaps of the cheese cooking and turning golden, while the majority of the breadcrumbs remained uncooked and soggy. This sparked an argument about whether it is common to cook mac and cheese this way and if it is nicer than the traditional method.

The case for breadcrumbs under the cheese

Those who put breadcrumbs under the cheese may do so because they believe it will prevent the breadcrumbs from burning while the mac and cheese bakes. They may also prefer the texture of the breadcrumbs when they are cooked this way.

The case against breadcrumbs under the cheese

Putting breadcrumbs under the cheese goes against the traditional method of making mac and cheese, which is to put the breadcrumbs on top. This method ensures that the breadcrumbs become crispy and golden, adding a crunchy texture to the dish. Putting the breadcrumbs under the cheese can result in them becoming soggy and uncooked, which defeats the purpose of adding them in the first place.

Tips for using breadcrumbs in mac and cheese

• Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, or crushed red pepper to add extra flavour.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping.
• If you don't have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed-up butter crackers or crushed-up croutons as a crunchy topping.

Different types of breadcrumbs

There are many different types of breadcrumbs to use in cooking, depending on the application and finished dish. The best breadcrumbs to use will depend on the desired texture and flavour of the dish. Here are some of the most common types of breadcrumbs:

Fresh Toasted Breadcrumbs

Toasted breadcrumbs are made from bread that has been toasted and then processed into small crumbs. They have a rich, nutty flavour and a satisfying crunch that adds texture and depth to dishes. They are best when sprinkled on top of food and baked, where they become crunchy. Fresh toasted breadcrumbs are perfect for pasta dishes and casseroles and add a nice contrast to the creamy texture of mac and cheese.

Fresh Untoasted Breadcrumbs

Untoasted breadcrumbs are made from fresh bread that has been grated or processed into fine crumbs. They are moist, tender, and slightly nutty in flavour. They are ideal for recipes that rely on texture or need a binding agent, such as meatloaf, mac and cheese, soups, and meats. They can also be used to thicken soups and stews.

Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb made from white bread without the crust. It has a light, airy texture and is often used as a crunchy topping or coating for fried foods. Panko absorbs more moisture than traditional breadcrumbs, which makes it a good choice for baked and fried dishes. It has a crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs and absorbs less fat, making it ideal for mac and cheese.

Italian-Style Breadcrumbs

Italian-style breadcrumbs are made from dried bread that has been ground and mixed with herbs and spices, such as parsley, oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder. They have a savoury and slightly salty flavour and a delicate, dry texture. When baked or fried, they add a crispy texture to dishes. They are commonly used for breading chicken, fish, and vegetables and are a good choice for adding crunch to mac and cheese.

Plain Breadcrumbs

Plain breadcrumbs are made from dried and ground white bread with the crusts removed. They have a fine texture and neutral flavour, making them versatile for various recipes. They add a subtle crunch and enhance the texture of dishes without overpowering the other ingredients. They are commonly used to create a crunchy coating for meat and as a binding agent for crab cakes and veggie burgers.

Golden Breadcrumbs with Turmeric

Golden breadcrumbs are made by adding turmeric to plain breadcrumbs, resulting in a nutty and crunchy texture with a beautiful golden hue. The turmeric adds a slightly bitter taste and warm, spicy notes to the breadcrumbs. They are a versatile ingredient that can be used as a topping or filler in dishes such as stuffed mushrooms, casseroles, soups, stews, and salads.

Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs

Gluten-free breadcrumbs are made from ingredients such as rice flour, gram flour, or maize starch and are free from wheat, barley, and rye. They have a similar texture and flavour to traditional breadcrumbs and can be flavoured with herbs and spices. They are a good choice for a crispy topping on mac and cheese for those following a gluten-free diet.

Cheese Breadcrumbs

Cheese breadcrumbs are made by mixing finely grated cheese, typically Parmesan or pecorino romano, with breadcrumbs. They result in a flavour-packed and extra crispy coating when baked or fried. They are commonly used for chicken parmesan and can add a golden, crispy crust to mac and cheese.

In addition to these common types of breadcrumbs, there are also sweet and spicy breadcrumbs, lemon pepper breadcrumbs, pork panko breadcrumbs, and graham cracker crumbs, which are used primarily for desserts.

Different types of cheese

Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be made with various types of cheese, each bringing its unique flavour and texture to the dish. Here are some popular options:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is a classic choice for mac and cheese, and for good reason. It has a sharp, distinctive flavour and melts beautifully, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Mature cheddar has a more intense flavour than mild cheddar, so it can add more depth to the dish.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with a delicate, nutty flavour. It adds a touch of sophistication to mac and cheese and pairs well with other cheeses like cheddar or Swiss cheese. It has a rich, creamy texture that makes it ideal for melting, ensuring your mac and cheese is extra gooey and indulgent.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is known for its stretchy, gooey texture when melted, making it a great addition to mac and cheese. It adds richness and creaminess to the sauce and is a good choice if you want a more indulgent, comforting dish.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a classic Italian cheese with a nutty, savoury flavour. It has a hard texture, so it can be grated over the top of your mac and cheese to add a crunchy, savoury element. It can also be mixed into the sauce for added depth of flavour.

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is a semi-soft cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. It melts easily and has a creamy texture, making it a good choice for mac and cheese. If you want a little extra kick, you can opt for Pepper Jack, which has a spicy twist.

Gouda

Gouda is a Dutch cheese with a mild, nutty flavour. It melts well and has a creamy texture, making it a good choice for mac and cheese. It adds a subtle sweetness to the dish and pairs well with other cheeses.

How to make the breadcrumbs crispy

There are several ways to ensure your breadcrumbs are crispy when making macaroni and cheese. Firstly, the type of breadcrumbs you use is important. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for a crispy topping. They are flakier and coarser in texture than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a better topping. If you can't find panko breadcrumbs, you can use homemade breadcrumbs, but make sure they are pulsed to a coarse texture.

Another factor to consider is the bread you are using to make the breadcrumbs. The secret to achieving a golden, crunchy topping is to use slightly stale bread. Bread that is a few days old will have lost some moisture, resulting in a drier crumb that will crisp up nicely in the oven.

When preparing the breadcrumbs, you can toss them with a little oil before adding them to the macaroni and cheese. The oil will help the breadcrumbs heat up and "fry" in the oven, resulting in a crispy texture. Additionally, making sure your baking dish is uncovered and placed in the middle rack of the oven will also help achieve even browning and crispiness.

If you want to add some extra flavour to your breadcrumbs, you can try mixing in some grated hard cheese, such as parmesan. You can also add herbs and spices, such as paprika, oregano, or basil.

Finally, if your breadcrumbs aren't crisping up enough in the oven, you can try giving them a quick blast under the grill or broiler to help them brown and crisp up.

Frequently asked questions