Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe with Breadcrumbs
Indulge in a creamy and satisfying stovetop Mac and Cheese that combines simplicity with rich flavor. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms ordinary pasta into a comforting dish that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Servings 4 servings
Calories 285kcal
Ingredients
- 450 g Tortiglioni pasta
- 50 g Cheddar cheese
- 150 g Mozzarella cheese
- 40 g Parmesan cheese
- 500 ml milk
- 20 g Panko breadcrumbs
- 70 g butter, unsalted
- 60 g all-purpose flour
- 5 g smoked paprika spice
- 2 g ground nutmeg
Instructions
- The first step for making mac and cheese is boiling pasta. I have several separate articles that can help you to cook perfect pasta for the recipe that I am going to link at the end of this recipe. However, here is the most basic recipe: for every 100 g of pasta, you need 1 liter of water and 10 g of salt. Add Tortiglioni pasta to boiling water in a pot on the stove and cook until al dente. Cooking time for the type of pasta that you have should be on its package, for sure. Drain water using the colander.
- In a skillet, melt 20 grams of unsalted butter. Add breadcrumbs.
- Fry them on the medium heat before they turn caramel color. Then transfer to a paper towel and set them aside.
- For making mac and cheese roux, take other 50 grams of butter and once again melt it in the skillet and, now, add flour. Keep stirring the mixture until well combined for 1 minute. It should be enough to get these ingredients mixed into a smooth mixture.
- Preheat milk beforehand. It should be hot but there is no necessity to get it to boiling. Pour a thin stream of milk into the skillet with the roux and start stirring the mixture with a whisk at once. The stove should be still at medium heat. Basically, we are making Béchamel sauce right now. Keep whisking until smooth and lumps-free.
- Make sure to shred all three cheeses in advance. Add them to the skillet with the white sauce. Next, add ground spices: smoked paprika and nutmeg. Stir the mixture thoroughly.
- Now is the time to add boiled pasta.
- Mix everything in the skillet and your mac and cheese is ready.
- Remember breadcrumbs that we fried in butter in the beginning. Sprinkle them over mac and cheese before serving. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
*calories per 100 g