Save to Pinterest This Mac and Cheese Sourdough Skillet brings together creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy sourdough topping for the ultimate comfort food. Each bite is packed with rich flavor and just enough rustic bite from fresh bread. If you love the classic but crave something extra special, this recipe is a weeknight win and a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
I made this for my brother’s birthday one snowy night. It has been our family’s top request for comfort food ever since.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni or small pasta: Classic shape that holds sauce well Look for bronze-cut pasta for better texture
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps brown your topping Choose high-quality butter for flavor
- All-purpose flour: Thickens your sauce Make sure flour is fresh to avoid a raw taste
- Whole milk: Creates a creamy base Use full-fat milk for the best result
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives that nostalgic tang Always grate fresh cheese at home for smooth melting
- Gruyère cheese: Adds nuttiness and depth You can use more cheddar if Gruyère is unavailable
- Dijon mustard: Brightens cheese flavor and adds subtle complexity Choose a good-quality Dijon for zing
- Garlic powder: Rounds out overall flavor Check your spice for freshness
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors Flake salt brings out the best taste
- Black pepper: A little bite for balance Freshly ground is best
- Sourdough bread: Rustic crunch and a hint of sour flavor Tear by hand for an irregular crumbly texture
- Melted butter: Holds topping together and helps with browning Use unsalted for better control
- Fresh parsley: Optional but brings freshness Use only vibrant green parsley
- Parmesan cheese: Salty umami in the topping Grate your own to avoid clumping
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta:
- Fill a saucepan with water and bring to a boil Add a generous sprinkle of salt and stir in the macaroni Cook for about 1 minute less than package instructions so it stays firm Drain and set aside so it does not overcook
- Make the Roux Base:
- In your oven-safe skillet melt butter over medium heat Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute This cooks out the raw flavor and builds a thick base for your sauce
- Create the Cheese Sauce:
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking so there are no lumps Allow to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes stirring often As mixture thickens you will notice it coats the back of a spoon
- Finish the Cheese Blend:
- Lower the heat to gentle and add cheddar and Gruyère cheeses Sprinkle in the Dijon mustard garlic powder salt and pepper Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy Silky smoothness means your cheese sauce is ready
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Tip the cooked macaroni into the skillet Stir to completely coat each piece with cheese sauce This is where each noodle soaks up all the flavor
- Prepare Sourdough Topping:
- In a bowl combine sourdough chunks with melted butter freshly chopped parsley if using and Parmesan Toss together until bread is evenly coated Every chunk will crisp up in the oven
- Assemble for Baking:
- Sprinkle the sourdough topping across the mac and cheese in the skillet Press down gently so you have an even crunchy layer
- Bake Until Golden:
- Slide your skillet into the preheated oven Bake for 15 to 18 minutes Keep an eye out as soon as the topping turns deep golden brown and crisp your dish is cooked through
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the skillet and allow it to cool for 5 minutes This short wait helps the cheese to set slightly making it easier to serve
Save to Pinterest My niece always helps sprinkle the sourdough topping and we laugh every time someone sneaks a bite before it goes into the oven
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well for up to three days in the fridge Use foil or an airtight container so the topping does not get soggy Reheat in a 180 degree Celsius oven so you can bring back the crunch
Ingredient Substitutions
Gruyère adds extra depth but you can absolutely use Monterey Jack or even just more sharp cheddar Trying smoky flavors Add a pinch of smoked paprika to your cheese sauce or swap out some cheddar for smoked gouda Gluten free pasta and gluten free bread work well though the texture is a bit different
Serving Suggestions
A crisp green salad with lemony dressing balances all the richness Serve with roasted broccoli or carrots for extra veggies This skillet is a star at potlucks and makes a hearty vegetarian main
Cultural and Historical Context
Mac and cheese has deep American roots as a comfort food but the sourdough topping gives it a touch of San Francisco’s legendary bread tradition Combining these two elements brings both hearty nostalgia and a lively new twist to familiar flavors
Seasonal Adaptations
Add in roasted butternut squash and a handful of baby spinach for an autumn version Fresh tomatoes dotted on top give summer brightness Use wild garlic in spring instead of parsley for extra zing
Success Stories
My college roommate still raves about this mac and cheese after making it for her Friendsgiving dinner The crispy top is always the first thing to vanish at family parties Several readers have made this recipe their go to for bake sales and weekday meals
Freezer Meal Conversion
Prepare the mac and cheese as directed but do not bake Cool completely and store tightly wrapped or in a container with the topping kept separate Freeze for up to two months When ready to serve thaw overnight top with the sourdough crumb and bake as usual
Save to Pinterest This skillet casserole is pure comfort Take a bite and you will taste rustic sourdough crunch and silky cheese together Every time it lands on the table, it disappears in minutes.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal, but any small pasta shape will absorb the sauce and bake nicely.
- → Can I use another cheese instead of Gruyère?
Yes, Monterey Jack or extra cheddar are delicious substitutes if you prefer a milder taste.
- → How do I get the sourdough topping crisp?
Toss bread chunks with melted butter and Parmesan, then spread evenly before baking for a golden, crunchy finish.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it uses only cheese, dairy, and eggs if present in the pasta; ensure all ingredients meet dietary needs.
- → Can leftovers be reheated?
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. A quick broil helps restore crispness to the sourdough topping.
- → What can I serve alongside this meal?
A light salad and a glass of Chardonnay pair well, adding freshness and balance to the creamy dish.