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Crunchy Mac and Cheese Toppings
5 from 3 votes

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!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings
Calories: 36 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American

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
  • black pepper
  • salt
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
    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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
  1. 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.
  2. Sprinkle over macaroni and cheese before serving.
  3. 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
  1. 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

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: 6 to 8 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 36

% 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.