Our easy, best-ever macaroni and cheese recipe accomplishes three key requirements: It's extra creamy, plenty cheesy, and ...

combine panko, oil, and remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Sprinkle over macaroni; season with more pepper. Bake mac and cheese until bubbly and golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes.

Make the breadcrumb topping. Mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika to top the mac and cheese for a textural contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta.

Panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs have a light, airy, and delicate texture that helps the crumbs crisp up atop the mac and cheese. They’re mixed with melted butter, Parmesan, and seasonings for a ...

The additives that keep pre-shredded cheese from clumping can also prevent it from melting completely. Pre-toasting the panko mixture ensures the topping on the mac and cheese comes out golden ...

Technique tip: You can toast the panko on top of the mac and cheese in the oven for a couple minutes until lightly browned. You want your mac and cheese to be creamy and cheesy, so as soon as it ...