No-bake mac and cheese on a plate and in a dish with a glass of milk in the background

No-Bake Mac and Cheese Recipe with Panko Bread Crumb Topping

When time or oven space is limited, this no bake mac and cheese with bread crumbs offers a rich and satisfying solution. It delivers all the creamy comfort and golden crisp topping you expect from classic mac and cheese without needing to bake it in the oven.

The secret to its indulgent texture lies in the combination of ingredients. A generous amount of butter adds richness throughout, while a trio of different types of cheeses including cream cheese, American cheese, and sharp cheddar melts together into a smooth flavorful sauce. A touch of onion and ground mustard deepens the savory flavor without overpowering it, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of macaroni.

Finished with crispy panko bread crumbs toasted with melted butter and paprika, this dish brings together softness and crunch in every bite. It is a simple yet crowd-pleasing way to serve up comfort food with familiar ingredients and bold flavor.

10min
Prep time
10min
Cook time
6
Servings
No-Bake Mac and Cheese Recipe with Panko Bread Crumb Topping

When time or oven space is limited, this no bake mac and cheese with bread crumbs offers a rich and satisfying solution. It delivers all the creamy comfort and golden crisp topping you expect from classic mac and cheese without needing to bake it in the oven.

The secret to its indulgent texture lies in the combination of ingredients. A generous amount of butter adds richness throughout, while a trio of different types of cheeses including cream cheese, American cheese, and sharp cheddar melts together into a smooth flavorful sauce. A touch of onion and ground mustard deepens the savory flavor without overpowering it, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of macaroni.

Finished with crispy panko bread crumbs toasted with melted butter and paprika, this dish brings together softness and crunch in every bite. It is a simple yet crowd-pleasing way to serve up comfort food with familiar ingredients and bold flavor.

When time or oven space is limited, this no bake mac and cheese with bread crumbs offers a rich and satisfying solution. It delivers all the creamy comfort and golden crisp topping you expect from classic mac and cheese without needing to bake it in the oven.

The secret to its indulgent texture lies in the combination of ingredients. A generous amount of butter adds richness throughout, while a trio of different types of cheeses including cream cheese, American cheese, and sharp cheddar melts together into a smooth flavorful sauce. A touch of onion and ground mustard deepens the savory flavor without overpowering it, creating a sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of macaroni.

Finished with crispy panko bread crumbs toasted with melted butter and paprika, this dish brings together softness and crunch in every bite. It is a simple yet crowd-pleasing way to serve up comfort food with familiar ingredients and bold flavor.

10min
Prep time
10min
Cook time
6
Servings

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Preheat the broiler. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Stir together the panko, the melted butter, and the paprika in a small bowl; set aside.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions in a large saucepan; drain and return to the saucepan. Cover and keep warm.
  3. Meanwhile, for the cheese sauce, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  4. Cook the onion in the hot butter until soft, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Add the milk all at once, stirring constantly. Cook and stir over medium heat until slightly thickened and bubbly, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, mustard, and cream cheese; whisk until smooth.
  6. Remove from the heat. Add the shredded American and Cheddar cheeses in handfuls, whisking constantly until each handful is melted before adding the next one.
  7. Immediately pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and toss gently to coat.
  8. Spoon into a 3‑quart casserole dish. Quickly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs over the mac and cheese.
  9. Broil 6 inches from the heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until golden brown.
  10. Let the mac and cheese with panko stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes:

If you love this recipe, you can find more like it in “The Dairy Good Cookbook: Everyday Comfort Foods From America’s Dairy Farm Families.” Learn more about it here or order it below today!

Image courtesy of “The Dairy Good Cookbook: Everyday Comfort Food from America’s Dairy Farm Families” edited by Lisa Kingsley, Andrews McMeel Publishing.

 

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