bread co mac and cheese recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best bread co mac and cheese recipe

I have been making this bread co mac and cheese recipe for years now, and it is always a hit in my house. The kids love the creamy cheese sauce and the crispy breadcrumb topping. It is the perfect comfort food for a weeknight dinner or a holiday gathering. I like that I can use whole wheat pasta and low fat cheese to make it a bit healthier, and it still tastes amazing.

This recipe comes from a local bakery that closed down years ago, but I managed to get the recipe from a former employee. It is a classic baked mac and cheese with a rich, creamy sauce and a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping. The secret is using a mix of sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese for the best flavor. It is simple to put together and always comes out perfectly.

My family requests this dish for birthdays, potlucks, and even just a regular Tuesday. It is so versatile and can be served as a main dish or a side. I love that I can make it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when I am ready. It is one of those recipes that never fails to make everyone happy.

Bread Co Mac and Cheese

4.6 from 1900 votes

A creamy, cheesy baked macaroni and cheese with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping. This recipe is a copycat of the popular bread co version, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese

For the Topping

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese until melted and smooth.
6Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in the baking dish. Stir to coat evenly.
7In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the mac and cheese.
8Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Medium saucepan
Whisk
9×13 baking dish
Mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 17g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 750mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use low fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add cooked bacon or broccoli for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Bread Co Mac and Cheese Works

This bread co mac and cheese recipe is a keeper. It is creamy, cheesy, and always a crowd pleaser. I hope you give it a try for your next family meal or get together.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bread Co Mac and Cheese

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any short pasta like shells, rotini, or cavatappi. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape.

2. Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I freeze this mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked mac and cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

4. What if I don’t have Gruyere cheese?

You can substitute with more sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of both.

5. How do I get a crispy topping?

Make sure to use panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. You can also broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking for extra crunch.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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