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Creamy Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping

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A cozy and creamy mac and cheese made with sweet potatoes for natural sweetness and a velvety texture, topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping for contrast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for richness)
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
  • 2 ½ cups (600 ml) milk (whole milk preferred, but 2% works)
  • 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • Salt to taste (start with ½ tsp)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, to toast breadcrumbs)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • A pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, peel and cut 2 medium sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil in a separate pot until tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain and mash until smooth.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until bubbly and golden.
  4. Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups (600 ml) milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Stir in ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Lower heat and add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
  6. Mix the mashed sweet potatoes into the cheese sauce until fully incorporated.
  7. Add the drained macaroni to the sauce and stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
  8. In a small skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden and crunchy (about 3-5 minutes). Stir in chopped parsley and smoked paprika if using.
  9. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb topping over the surface.
  10. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the top is crispy and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
  11. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness after baking. Toast breadcrumbs with butter for best crunch. Whisk milk gradually to prevent lumps. Rest dish 5 minutes before serving to thicken. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, breadcrumb topping, comfort food, easy dinner, cozy meal

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