Skillet Baked Mac & Cheese (Extra Crispy Top)

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and when you bake it in a skillet with an extra crispy top, it takes the experience to a whole new level. This Skillet Baked Mac & Cheese (Extra Crispy Top) recipe combines creamy, cheesy pasta with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping and savory turkey bacon bits for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, this baked mac and cheese is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Keep Making It

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy cheese sauce and a crispy topping that keeps you coming back for more. This recipe is easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and bakes to perfection in one skillet, which means fewer dishes to clean. The addition of cooked turkey bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the cheeses beautifully without overpowering the dish. Plus, the extra crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful texture contrast that elevates this classic comfort food to something special.

If you love a bubbly, cheesy bake with just the right crunch, this Skillet Baked Mac & Cheese (Extra Crispy Top) will quickly become your go-to. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite add-ins or to pair with other delicious dishes like the Spicy Nashville Style Chicken Mac Bake for a flavor-packed meal.

The Ingredient Lineup

• 8 oz elbow macaroni – The classic pasta shape perfect for trapping cheese sauce.
• 2 tablespoons butter – For making the roux and adding richness.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – To thicken the cheese sauce.
• 2 cups milk – Creates a creamy base; whole milk works best for richness.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar provides that classic mac and cheese flavor.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds a gooey, melty texture.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances savory depth.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – For a gentle kick.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances and enhances flavors.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – For the golden, crispy topping.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps crisp up the breadcrumbs beautifully.
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon – Adds smoky, savory notes and texture.

Recommended Tools

• 10-inch oven-safe skillet – Ideal for cooking mac and cheese and finishing in the oven.
• Medium saucepan – For boiling macaroni.
• Whisk – To make the roux and smooth cheese sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts.
• Mixing spoon – To stir pasta and sauce together.
• Grater – If shredding cheese fresh.

Skillet Baked Mac & Cheese (Extra Crispy Top): Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside. It’s important not to overcook because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In your oven-safe skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Keep whisking for about 1-2 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly, which cooks out the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Lower the heat and add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.

Season with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine all the flavors.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained macaroni and 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey bacon to the skillet. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Crispy Topping

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss to evenly coat the breadcrumbs with oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in the skillet.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and extra crispy.

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. The result is a creamy, cheesy pasta with a satisfyingly crunchy top that makes every bite a delight.

Allergy-Friendly Substitutes

• Milk: Use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free option, but choose unsweetened and unflavored varieties.
• Cheese: Nutritional yeast can replace cheese flavor, or opt for vegan cheese blends that melt well.
• Butter: Use coconut oil or a plant-based margarine instead.
• Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers if needed.
• Turkey bacon: Substitute with plant-based bacon alternatives or omit for a vegetarian version.

Author’s Commentary

This Skillet Baked Mac & Cheese (Extra Crispy Top) is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but comes together quickly, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. The use of turkey bacon adds a smoky depth without overpowering the creamy cheese sauce, and the crispy topping provides a wonderful textural contrast that’s hard to resist.

One of the best parts about this dish is how adaptable it is. Feel free to mix in sautéed vegetables, swap cheeses to suit your preferences, or add a dash of hot sauce for some heat. If you love mac and cheese variations, you might also enjoy the Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Crunch Bake or the Crispy Chicken Parm Mac And Cheese for a delicious twist.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

• Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven until warmed through and crispy on top.

Skillet Baked Mac & Cheese (Extra Crispy Top) FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells, rotini, or penne. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly and choose a shape that holds the cheese sauce well.

What can I do if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?

If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, you can transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish before adding the breadcrumb topping and baking. Just be sure the dish is well greased to prevent sticking.

How do I get the topping extra crispy?

Coating the breadcrumbs with olive oil before sprinkling them on top is key. Also, baking at 375°F allows the topping to crisp without burning. For an even crispier finish, you can broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch it carefully to avoid burning.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, simply omit the turkey bacon or replace it with a vegetarian bacon substitute. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or smoked paprika for extra flavor.

Quick Weeknight Wins

• Spicy Nashville Style Chicken Mac Bake – A flavorful and spicy take on classic mac and cheese.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Crunch Bake – Combines spicy buffalo chicken with cheesy, crunchy mac and cheese.
• Crispy Chicken Parm Mac And Cheese – A delicious fusion of chicken parmesan and creamy mac and cheese.

Ready, Set, Cook

With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, this Skillet Baked Mac & Cheese (Extra Crispy Top) brings together the best textures and flavors of classic comfort food. The creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crunchy topping make it a crowd-pleaser every time you serve it. Whether you’re a mac and cheese purist or love experimenting with add-ins, this recipe offers a solid foundation that’s easy to personalize.

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