Macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb topping

Macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb topping recipe videos

Macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb topping is a classic comfort food consisting of elbow pasta baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, often cheddar, and finished with a crispy layer of toasted breadcrumbs. It is a staple of American home cooking and diner cuisine, with roots in European baked pasta dishes but popularized in North America.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is typically high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the cheese and butter, with a moderate amount of protein from the dairy. A standard serving can range from 400 to 600 calories, providing calcium and some B vitamins, but is generally considered an indulgent, energy-dense meal.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	480 kcal
Protein	18 g
Carbs	48 g
Fat	24 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	850 mg
Calcium	320 mg
Iron	2.1 mg
Potassium	250 mg
Vitamin A	180 µg
Vitamin B12	0.6 µg
Phosphorus	280 mg
Zinc	2.2 mg
Selenium	22 µg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it evolved from a simple, economical family meal into a beloved icon of American comfort food, often served at holidays and gatherings. Nutritionally, the breadcrumb topping adds a textural contrast and can incorporate whole grains, offering a small boost of fiber to an otherwise rich dish.