Crunchy Mac and Cheese Toppings
User Reviews
5
3 reviews
Excellent
-
Prep Time
5 mins
-
Cook Time
5 mins
-
Total Time
10 mins
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Servings
6 to 8 servings
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Calories
36 kcal
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Course
Condiments
-
Cuisine
American
Crunchy Mac and Cheese Toppings
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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!
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Ingredients
Basic Crumbs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs i.e. Panko, unseasoned dried breadcrumbs, saltines, or butter crackers, or crushed cracker crumbs
- 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter fresh breadcrumbs and butter crackers will need less butter to moisten than dried crumbs and saltines, or olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
Cheesy Crumbs
- 1/4 cup cheese such as cheddar or gouda, finely shredded
Garlic-Parmesan Crumbs
- 2 tablespoons Parmigiano Reggiano cheese grated
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder , to taste
Spicy Garlic Crumbs
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder , to taste
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper , to taste
Zesty Crumbs for Seafood
- 1/4 to 1/2 tsp Seafood Seasoning (such as Old Bay), to taste
Herbed Crumbs
- 2 teaspoons fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, chives, parsley, or sage, chopped
Chips and Cheese Crisps
- 1/2 cup potato chips crushed, preferably Kettle; includes "crab" chips, cheese sticks/crisps
Instructions
For Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- In a bowl, toss together un-toasted crumbs and melted butter until evenly moistened. Stir in desired seasonings, 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 top your macaroni and cheese with them, baking or serving as desired.
Notes
- *To crush crackers or crisps, place them in a zip top bag. Press out any excess air and seal. Crush with a rolling pin to desired crumb size. Or, simply pulse them in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade.
Nutrition Information
Show Details
Calories
36kcal
(2%)
Carbohydrates
4g
(1%)
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
2g
(3%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Cholesterol
5mg
(2%)
Sodium
37mg
(2%)
Potassium
10mg
(0%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
58IU
(1%)
Calcium
9mg
(1%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6to 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 36 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 36kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 5mg | 2% |
| Sodium | 37mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 10mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 58IU | 1% |
| Calcium | 9mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Genuine Reviews
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
3 reviews
Excellent
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