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–+ servings
curry mac and cheese inspired by the viral tini's mac and cheese recipe with crispy curry cilantro breadcrumbs topping in a a black cast iron skillet with gooey gooey cheese on a spoon.

The Best Curry Mac and Cheese (Crispy Curry Cilantro Breadcrumbs)

  • VGVegetarian
5 from 2 votes
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.
Servings: 8 (1 cup) servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

for pasta and cheese base

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 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 and pepper

for the crispy topping

  • ½ cup panko crumbs
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped cilantro

garnish (optional)

  • chili crisp, for additional heat
  • extra finely chopped cilantro leaves

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.

Equipment

  • baking dish

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cup (approx)Calories: 632kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 34gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 25gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 779mgPotassium: 435mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1384IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 779mgIron: 2mg