Description
Crunchy Toppings for Macaroni and Cheese are a flavorful way to add texture and contrast to creamy pasta. From panko and butter crackers to kettle chips and cheese crisps, these versatile toppings work for baked, stovetop, or Instant Pot mac and cheese.
Ingredients
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (panko, plain, saltines, butter crackers)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons finely shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda, or Parmesan)
1/2 cup crushed potato chips (kettle chips, crab chips, or cheese crisps)
Instructions
- Choose your topping base: breadcrumbs, crackers, chips, or cheese crisps. Crush as needed.
- For baked mac and cheese: Mix un-toasted crumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, and optional herbs or spices. Sprinkle over mac and cheese before baking until golden and crispy.
- For stovetop or pressure cooker mac and cheese: Toast crumbs or crushed crackers in a skillet with butter over medium-low heat until golden. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then mix in seasonings and shredded cheese. Sprinkle over mac and cheese just before serving.
Notes
- Use flavored or plain kettle chips as-is—no butter needed.
- Cheese crisps like asiago or Parmesan add bold savory flavor.
- Mix and match toppings like cheesy crumbs with crab chips for variety.
- Toast toppings in advance and store at room temperature for quick use.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Topping
- Method: Stovetop or Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of topping
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
