5 from 4 votes
The Best Curry Mac and Cheese (Crispy Curry Cilantro Breadcrumbs)
Once you try this Curry Mac and Cheese recipe topped with unbelievably delicious crispy curry cilantro breadcrumbs and baked to perfection–you’ll never want to make traditional macaroni and cheese again. The ultimate comfort food fusion, inspired by the viral sensation! Indulge in this creamy, cheesy delight with a curry flair and irresistible crispy topping.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings:
8
(1 cup) servings
Calories:
632 kcal
Course:
Side Dish, Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine:
Indian, American, International
Ingredients
for pasta and cheese base
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 4 tbsp butter unsalted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 4 cups milk whole milk for creaminess
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt
- black pepper
for the crispy topping
- ½ cup panko crumbs
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 3 tbsp cilantro finely chopped
garnish (optional)
- chili crisp for additional heat
- cilantro leaves extra finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil macaroni according to package instructions. Drain, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and set aside.
- Prepare the Curry Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and curry powder, cooking for about 1 minute until it forms a paste and turns slightly golden. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Prepare for Baking: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Add the cooked macaroni to the curry cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Transfer to a prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko, melted butter, Parmesan, curry powder, and cilantro. Sprinkle over the top of macaroni.
- Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish: Drizzle with chili crisp and freshly chopped cilantro before serving, if desired.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Serving
1 cup (approx)
Calories
632kcal
(32%)
Carbohydrates
50g
(17%)
Protein
34g
(68%)
Fat
44g
(68%)
Saturated Fat
25g
(125%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
(12%)
Monounsaturated Fat
10g
(50%)
Trans Fat
0.5g
(25%)
Cholesterol
129mg
(43%)
Sodium
779mg
(32%)
Potassium
435mg
(9%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
8g
(16%)
Vitamin A
1384IU
(28%)
Vitamin C
0.3mg
(0%)
Calcium
779mg
(78%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 (1 cup) servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 632
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 cup (approx) | |
| Calories | 632kcal | 32% |
| Carbohydrates | 50g | 17% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 44g | 68% |
| Saturated Fat | 25g | 125% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 129mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 779mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 435mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1384IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 0.3mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 779mg | 78% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.