Go Back
Baked mac and cheese serving with cheddar and golden breadcrumb crust on a plate

Baked Mac and Cheese with Cheddar and Breadcrumb Crust

Baked mac and cheese with a creamy, structured cheese filling and crispy breadcrumb crust. This comforting casserole is perfect when you want a hearty homemade dish with classic cheddar flavor and a satisfying baked texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 655
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Breadcrumb crust
  • 2-3 slices white bread, toasted
  • 7 tablespoons butter, divided
Cheese sauce
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 1/2 pounds cheddar cheese, grated
  • 8 oz / 225 g American, Gruyere, or any other smooth melting cheese, grated or cut into chunks
Macaroni
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
Egg mixture
  • 2 eggs, beaten

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the macaroni in a large bowl, cover with hot water, add a generous pinch of salt, and soak for about 30 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.
  2. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Process the toasted bread in a food processor, combine with the melted butter, and set the breadcrumb mixture aside.
Cooking
  1. Melt the remaining butter in a large saucepan. Add the flour and cook while stirring until the mixture reaches a light golden color.
  2. Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and whole milk until the sauce becomes smooth and thick. Stir in the mustard, bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then remove from heat.
  3. Add the cheeses to the warm sauce and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning as desired.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk about 1 cup of the sauce with the beaten eggs to slowly warm them. Stir the egg mixture back into the remaining sauce.
  5. Drain the macaroni and mix it into the sauce until evenly combined. Transfer the mixture to a greased rectangular or square baking dish.
Baking
  1. Spread the breadcrumbs over the top of the macaroni mixture, cover the dish with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes to toast the breadcrumb topping.
  3. Serve with salt, pepper, hot sauce, or other preferred additions.

Notes

Because this is a baked mac and cheese with eggs, it sets into a casserole-style texture rather than a very loose, sauce-heavy dish. The finished result is cheesy and sliceable with a crisp topping. For a softer, more flowing style, the eggs can be omitted, a little extra milk can be added to the sauce, and the dish can be baked only until the breadcrumbs are toasted.