Close-up of macaroni and cheese with crispy panko breadcrumbs, served in a skillet on a white table.

Macaroni and Cheese With Panko Breadcrumbs

Here’s a dish that unites all ages while evoking nostalgia even in the youngest diners: macaroni and cheese. Sure, it has mild flavors that make it palatable for picky eaters. But it can also have a depth and range of textures that even experienced foodies savor—especially when prepared in a skillet.

That’s because pasta better absorbs cheesy flavors when it sits under a broiler, as called for in this recipe. You’ll not only get a crispy outside and creamy inside, but the skillet will make the mac and cheese caramelize evenly for a rich bite every time.

And you can feel good about serving this Skillet Mac & Cheese With Crunchy Panko to loved ones. This recipe is an excellent source of protein, vitamin A, folate and calcium, and a good source of iron.

 

Nutrition information
10min
Prep time
20min
Cook time
10
Servings
Macaroni and Cheese With Panko Breadcrumbs

Here’s a dish that unites all ages while evoking nostalgia even in the youngest diners: macaroni and cheese. Sure, it has mild flavors that make it palatable for picky eaters. But it can also have a depth and range of textures that even experienced foodies savor—especially when prepared in a skillet.

That’s because pasta better absorbs cheesy flavors when it sits under a broiler, as called for in this recipe. You’ll not only get a crispy outside and creamy inside, but the skillet will make the mac and cheese caramelize evenly for a rich bite every time.

And you can feel good about serving this Skillet Mac & Cheese With Crunchy Panko to loved ones. This recipe is an excellent source of protein, vitamin A, folate and calcium, and a good source of iron.

 

Here’s a dish that unites all ages while evoking nostalgia even in the youngest diners: macaroni and cheese. Sure, it has mild flavors that make it palatable for picky eaters. But it can also have a depth and range of textures that even experienced foodies savor—especially when prepared in a skillet.

That’s because pasta better absorbs cheesy flavors when it sits under a broiler, as called for in this recipe. You’ll not only get a crispy outside and creamy inside, but the skillet will make the mac and cheese caramelize evenly for a rich bite every time.

And you can feel good about serving this Skillet Mac & Cheese With Crunchy Panko to loved ones. This recipe is an excellent source of protein, vitamin A, folate and calcium, and a good source of iron.

 

Nutrition information
10min
Prep time
20min
Cook time
10
Servings

Ingredients:

A man serves a spoonful of macaroni and cheese, bringing joy to a girl in the background.

Directions:

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions until tender, about 8 minutes. Drain.
  2. Meanwhile, mix breadcrumbs and cayenne pepper, if using, in a small bowl. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-low heat. Add breadcrumbs. Toss until evenly coated and lightly browned, about 1 minute. Remove breadcrumbs to a plate; reserve.A person's hand whisking macaroni with hot water in a pot on an electrical stove.
  3. Heat the broiler. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk in flour, mustard, salt and black pepper. Cook and whisk over low heat until the roux thickens and bubbles for about 3 minutes.A measuring cup filled with milk being poured into the cooked pasta in a pot.
  4. Gradually add milk, whisking vigorously until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, over medium heat until sauce thickens and bubbles for 1 minute. Whisk in pepper sauce, if using. Remove from heat.Two hands adding shredded cheddar cheese to the cooked pasta with milk.
  5. Mix Cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in a medium bowl; reserve 1 cup for topping. Add remaining cheese mixture to sauce. Stir with a spatula until the cheese melts and sauce is smooth.Two hands topping macaroni with shredded cheese in a skillet.
  6. Combine macaroni and cheese sauce in the cast iron skillet or a broiler-proof baking dish; mix well. Sprinkle with reserved cheese and toasted breadcrumbs. Broil 6 to 8 inches from the heat source until breadcrumbs are browned, about 1 minute. Watch carefully so that breadcrumbs do not burn.Two male hands carefully putting a dish of panko mac and cheese into the oven.

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A man serves a spoonful of macaroni and cheese, bringing joy to a girl in the background.

Nutrition Information

  • Per serving
  • Calories 458
  • Total Fat 21g
  • Cholesterol 60mg
  • Sodium 472g
  • Total Carbohydrate 47g
  • Protein 21g