Tired of boring, soggy mac and cheese? Get ready to transform your favorite comfort food into a crispy, golden masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds! This game-changing crunchy topping takes just minutes to prepare and turns an ordinary mac and cheese dish into a restaurant-worthy culinary sensation that will make your family and friends think you've secretly trained as a professional chef.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Pour the melted butter over the breadcrumb mixture, stirring carefully to coat all the dry ingredients evenly. The melted butter will help the topping become golden and crispy when baked.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently mix to incorporate the seasonings throughout the breadcrumb mixture.
- Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over your prepared mac and cheese, covering the entire surface with a thin, consistent layer.
- Place the mac and cheese with the topping under a broiler or in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to ensure the topping turns golden brown and crispy without burning.
- Remove from heat once the topping is a beautiful golden color and has a crunchy texture. Let it cool for 1-2 minutes before serving to allow the topping to set.
Tips
- • Use fresh, high-quality panko breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness • Make sure to mix the melted butter thoroughly to ensure even coating • Watch the broiler carefully - golden brown can turn to burnt in seconds • For extra flavor, try adding dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the breadcrumb mixture • Let the topping cool slightly before serving to help it maintain its crispy texture • For a more indulgent version, swap half the panko with crushed butter crackers • If you don't have a broiler, a high-temperature oven works just as well
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
