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Crumb Topped Pasta & Cheese

Crumb Topped Pasta & Cheese recipe image
This classic Crumb Topped Pasta & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a velvety homemade cheddar sauce. The dish is crowned with a crunchy, golden layer of browned breadcrumbs that provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft pasta below. While traditionally made with butter and dairy for maximum richness, this recipe delivers a hearty, savory experience that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any night when you crave something satisfying, nostalgic, and easy to prepare with pantry staples.
Cooking Method:
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 6
Calories: 216.1
Dietary: Vegetarian
Description
This classic Crumb Topped Pasta & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender elbow macaroni smothered in a velvety homemade cheddar sauce. The dish is crowned with a crunchy, golden layer of browned breadcrumbs that provides a delightful textural contrast to the soft pasta below. While traditionally made with butter and dairy for maximum richness, this recipe delivers a hearty, savory experience that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any night when you crave something satisfying, nostalgic, and easy to prepare with pantry staples.
Ingredients
  • 2 3/4 cup Small pasta (elbow macaroni,
Directions
  1. 1
    Preheat oven to 325&# 194;°F (165ðC).
  2. 2
    In a skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Set aside.
  3. 3
    Cook pasta according to package directions until tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Drain and rinse with hot water.
  4. 4
    In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1/4 cup butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons flour and 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard to form a paste.
  5. 5
    Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
  6. 6
    Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese until completely melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. 7
    Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
  8. 8
    Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
  9. 9
    Sprinkle the browned bread crumbs evenly over the top, followed by the remaining 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese.
  10. 10
    Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 216.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 1.8g3%
Saturated Fat 0.3g2%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 1.6mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 41.2g14%
Dietary Fiber 3.0g12%
Sugars 0.8g
Protein 8.2g17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: pasta, macaroni, cheese, cheddar, baked, comfort food, breadcrumbs, creamy, casserole, dinner, family meal, easy, savory, vegetarian, homemade, sauce, golden, crispy, classic, quick
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/crumb-topped-pasta-cheese/