Easy Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Topping for Perfect Comfort Food

Indulging in a bowl of creamy, cheesy goodness is a true comfort. This Easy Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Topping for Perfect Comfort Food will warm your heart and tickle your taste buds. With its gooey cheese mixture and crispy panko topping, it’s the ultimate dish for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Topping for Perfect Comfort Food

• Irresistible Flavor: Rich cheddar and mozzarella create a comforting cheese sensation.
• Quick and Easy: Prepared in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family Favorite: Everyone loves mac and cheese; it’s guaranteed to bring smiles.
• Leftover Heaven: Enjoy the deliciousness the next day; it reheats well.
• Versatile Dish: Easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins or toppings.

Ingredients Needed

Pasta

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Cheese

• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce Base

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
• Black pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)

Topping

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a cast iron skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 3-4 minutes until pale golden and nutty smelling.

Step 3

Slowly pour in 3 cups of whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir often until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4

Remove skillet from heat. Gradually stir in 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5

Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and fold gently until coated. In a small bowl, toss 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese in the skillet.

Step 6

Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake skillet for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7

Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions Easy Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Topping for Perfect Comfort Food

• Serve with a fresh garden salad on the side for a bright contrast.
• Top with crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch.
• Pair with garlic bread to soak up cheesy goodness.
• Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick.

Tips for Success Easy Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Topping for Perfect Comfort Food

• Cook pasta al dente for the best texture after baking.
• Stir the cheese sauce continuously to avoid sticking and burning.
• You can pre-make the cheese sauce and refrigerate for later use.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

• Add Veggies: Mix in steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
• Spicy Twist: Incorporate jalapeños or hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
• Meat Lovers: Stir in cooked ground beef or sausage for extra protein.

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.

Easy Cast Iron Skillet Mac and Cheese

Indulge in this creamy, cheesy mac and cheese topped with crispy panko for ultimate comfort food in under an hour.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Comfort Food, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Cheese

• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Sauce Base

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
• (about 1/2) teaspoon Black pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)

Method

 

Cooking Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Making Cheese Sauce

1. In a cast iron skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 3-4 minutes until pale golden and nutty smelling.
2. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir often until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Remove skillet from heat. Gradually stir in sharp cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Combining Ingredients

1. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and fold gently until coated.
2. In a small bowl, toss panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese in the skillet.

Baking

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Bake skillet for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Serving

1. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente for the best texture after baking. Stir continuously to avoid sticking and burning, and you can pre-make the cheese sauce and refrigerate for later use. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.