Smoked Paprika Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs
There's nothing quite like a warm bowl of mac and cheese on a chilly evening. It's the epitome of comfort food, a nostalgic dish that evokes feelings of warmth and happiness. But what if we could elevate this classic comfort food to new heights? Enter our Smoked Paprika Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs – a recipe that takes the familiar and makes it extraordinary.
This isn't your grandma's mac and cheese (unless your grandma is a culinary genius!). We're infusing the creamy, cheesy goodness with the subtle smokiness of paprika, creating a depth of flavor that's both unexpected and utterly satisfying. The crunchy, golden breadcrumbs add a delightful textural contrast, making each bite a symphony of textures and tastes.
Recipe: Smoked Paprika Mac and Cheese
Yields:
6-8 servings
Prep time:
15 minutes
Cook time:
35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy breadcrumbs, you can toast them in a dry skillet before adding them to the top.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A blend of cheddar and Gruyère would be delicious.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- For a vegetarian version, use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- To make this a complete meal, serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions:
This Smoked Paprika Mac and Cheese is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with:
- A simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
- Grilled chicken or sausage
- A crisp white wine
Don't forget to share your culinary creations using #macandcheese #comfortfood #smokedpaprika #cheeselover!
Looking for more comfort food recipes? Check out our collection of American comfort food recipes for more delicious ideas.