Crunchy Mac and Cheese Toppings
These crispy toppings are easy to make and can be adapted for any type of macaroni and cheese you're making. Get creative with your flavor combinations and find the crunch you and your family like best!
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
Basic Crumbs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed cracker crumbs (i.e. Panko, unseasoned dried breadcrumbs, saltines, or butter crackers)--see Note 1.
- 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter, olive, oil, or a neutral-flavored oil of your choosing (fresh breadcrumbs and butter crackers will need less butter to moisten than dried crumbs and saltines)
- salt and pepper
Cheesy Crumbs
- ¼ cup finely-shredded firm or semi-firm cheese (such as Cheddar. Gouda, or Gruyere)
Garlic-Parmesan Crumbs
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon garlic powder , to taste
Spicy Garlic Crumbs
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon garlic powder , to taste
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper , to taste
Zesty Crumbs for Seafood
- ¼ to ½ tsp seafood seasoning (such as Old Bay), to taste
Herbed Crumbs
- 2 to 3 teaspoons chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, chives, parsley, or sage)
To Use Chips and Cheese Crisps Instead of Bread/Cracker Crumbs
- ½ cup crushed potato chips (preferably, Kettle), "crab" chips, or cheese sticks/crisps.
Instructions
For Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- In a bowl, toss together untoasted crumbs ("basic crumbs) and melted butter or oil until evenly moistened. Stir in your chosen add-ins and seasonings from the variation choices above (cheesy crumbs, garlic-parmesan, spicy garlic, etc.), plus a pinch of salt and pepper, to taste.
- Top unbaked macaroni and cheese with the crumbs and bake until toasted and crispy, as directed in your recipe. (Keep an eye on the crumbs to make sure they aren't browning too quickly, and loosely cover with a piece of foil if they do.)
For Stovetop or Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
- Melt butter in a skillet. Add crumbs and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until evenly toasted. Remove from heat and stir in dry seasonings (i.e. salt, pepper, garlic powder, etc.) to taste. Let cool to just warm before adding herbs, and to room temperature before adding any cheeses.
- Sprinkle over macaroni and cheese before serving.
- To store toasted crumbs: place in an airtight container or zip top bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
For Chips and Cheese Crisps
- No need to add additional fat to these toppings. Simply crush and add any desired dry seasonings, top your macaroni and cheese, and bake or serve as directed.
Notes
1. To crush crackers or crisps, place them in a plastic zip-top food storage bag. Press out any excess air and seal. Crush with a rolling pin to your desired crumb size. Or, simply pulse them in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.166recipe | Calories: 36kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 10mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 58IU | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
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