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Creamy Mac & Cheese Boxed Enhanced Recipe with Crispy Topping

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A quick and easy boxed mac & cheese recipe elevated with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy, buttery panko topping, perfect for comforting weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 standard 7.25 oz (206 g) box of classic cheddar macaroni & cheese
  • 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) whole milk (2% milk can be used)
  • 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1 cup (110 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional but recommended)
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
  • Optional: splash of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni from the boxed mix and cook for 7-8 minutes or until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter over medium heat. Stir in the milk (1 1/4 cups/300 ml) and the cheese powder from the box. Add garlic powder and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and heated through, about 3-4 minutes. If using shredded cheddar, stir it in now until melted.
  3. Add the drained macaroni back to the cheese sauce pot. Stir gently to coat all the noodles evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it up.
  4. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon (14 g) of butter. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Add a pinch of smoked paprika if desired.
  5. Transfer the cheesy macaroni into an oven-safe baking dish (8×8 inch or similar). Spread the panko mixture evenly over the top.
  6. Place under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully until the topping turns golden brown and crunchy.
  7. Remove from the oven and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; al dente is best. Watch the broiler closely to prevent burning the topping. Butter is essential for a crispy, flavorful crust. You can prepare the cheese sauce ahead and reheat before assembling. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute milk, butter, cheese, pasta, and breadcrumbs accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, boxed mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, crispy topping, comfort food, easy dinner, quick recipe

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-boxed-enhanced-recipe-with-crispy-topping-perfect-for-easy-comfort-meals/