Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Cornbread Topping

If you love creamy mac and cheese but crave that irresistible crunchy topping, this Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Cornbread Topping will instantly become your new favorite comfort food. Imagine silky, velvety cheese sauce wrapped around tender pasta, all baked under a buttery, golden layer of cornbread crumbs that adds a Southern-style crunch.

This recipe takes two comfort food classics — mac and cheese and cornbread — and merges them into a single, soul-warming dish that’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or even just a cozy weeknight dinner. It’s hearty, rich, and has that perfect contrast of textures: soft and creamy inside, crisp and golden on top.

The best part? It’s all made in one skillet. From stovetop to oven, this skillet mac and cheese is simple, satisfying, and full of down-home Southern flavor.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-skillet simplicity: Less mess, more comfort. Everything cooks and bakes in one pan.

• Creamy and crunchy: Smooth mac and cheese meets crispy cornbread topping for perfect balance.

• Southern-inspired twist: Cornbread crumbs add warmth and a touch of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich cheese sauce.

• Family and crowd favorite: Ideal for BBQ dinners, potlucks, and Thanksgiving spreads.

• Customizable: Add jalapeños, smoked paprika, or bacon alternatives for extra flair (poultry only if desired).

Whether you’re serving this alongside ribs, fried chicken, or roasted vegetables, this skillet mac and cheese will steal the show every single time.

---

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or cavatappi, shells, or rotini)

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese

• ½ cup mozzarella (optional, for stretchiness)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Cornbread Topping

• 1 cup leftover cornbread (crumbled) or store-bought cornbread muffins

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, enhances golden browning)

• Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish

• Chopped parsley or green onions

• Extra sprinkle of shredded cheese

---

Equipment You’ll Need

• 10- or 12-inch cast iron skillet (oven-safe)

• Sauce whisk

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Mixing bowl for topping

• Oven mitts

---

How to Make Skillet Mac and Cheese with Cornbread Topping

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente (1–2 minutes shy of package directions).

3. Drain and set aside. The pasta will continue cooking in the cheese sauce.

---

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In your cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

2. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to create a roux (this helps thicken the sauce).

3. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).

4. Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella until melted and creamy.

5. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking — remember, the topping will add extra flavor.

---

Step 3: Add the Pasta

1. Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir gently until every piece is coated.

2. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface for the topping.

---

Step 4: Make the Cornbread Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, melted butter, paprika, and a pinch of salt.

2. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and buttery.

3. For extra crispiness, toast the mixture in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes before adding it on top.

---

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Sprinkle the cornbread mixture evenly over the mac and cheese in the skillet.

3. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and crisp.

4. For extra crunch, broil for the last 1–2 minutes (watch closely to avoid burning).

---

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for color. Serve straight from the skillet for that rustic, Southern presentation.

---

Flavor Notes and Variations

Cheese Combinations

While classic cheddar gives the best flavor, you can mix it up with:

• Gruyère for nutty depth

• Smoked gouda for a subtle smoky note

• Pepper Jack for a bit of spice

• Cream cheese for an extra silky sauce

Cornbread Options

You can use any kind of cornbread, including:

• Homemade Southern-style cornbread (savory and buttery)

• Sweet cornbread muffins for contrast

• Leftover jalapeño cornbread for a spicy twist

Add-Ins

• Diced jalapeños or green chilies for mild heat

• Grilled chicken or turkey sausage for added protein

• Sautéed onions, corn, or bell peppers for a veggie boost

Want to Make It Spicy?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the cheese sauce.

---

Tips for Perfect Skillet Mac and Cheese

• Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts better than pre-shredded.

• Don’t overcook the pasta: It’ll absorb sauce as it bakes.

• Use a well-seasoned skillet: Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.

• Melt cheese on low heat: High heat can make sauce grainy.

• Let it rest before serving: The sauce thickens slightly as it cools, making it creamier.

---

The Secret to the Perfect Cornbread Crunch

The secret to the perfect topping lies in texture and butter balance.

• Use day-old cornbread — it crumbles better and crisps up nicely.

• Coat crumbs evenly with melted butter for a toasty, flavorful finish.

• Don’t overload the topping — you want just enough to form a crisp layer without overwhelming the creamy mac beneath.

The combination of creamy interior and crunchy golden top creates that ultimate “wow” bite every time.

---

What to Serve with Skillet Mac and Cheese

This dish is delicious on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Southern fried chicken or grilled chicken tenders

• BBQ ribs, brisket, or pulled chicken

• Collard greens or sautéed green beans

• Buttermilk biscuits or dinner rolls

• Sweet tea or lemonade for that true Southern touch

For holidays, it’s an amazing side to:

• Roasted turkey

• Honey glazed ham (or poultry alternative)

• Smoked salmon or baked fish

---

Make Ahead and Storage

To Make Ahead:

• Prepare mac and cheese as directed but don’t add the topping.

• Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

• When ready to bake, add cornbread crumbs and bake for 25–30 minutes (since it’ll be chilled).

To Store:

• Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

To Reheat:

• Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes.

• Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.

Freezing:

• Freeze without the topping for up to 1 month.

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, top with crumbs, and bake fresh.

---

FAQs

Can I use boxed cornbread mix for the topping?
Yes! Just bake it according to directions, crumble it, and use it as your topping base.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and flour for the sauce, and make the topping with gluten-free cornbread.

Do I have to bake it?
Technically no — you can enjoy it straight from the skillet. But baking creates that perfect crusty topping.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan cheese alternatives. The cornbread topping will still turn out great.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk for a slightly lighter, but still creamy, sauce.

Can I add meat?
Absolutely! Add cooked chicken, turkey sausage, or even seafood like shrimp for a protein boost.

---

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

---

Why This Dish Steals the Spotlight

What makes this Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Cornbread Topping special is the contrast of textures — creamy and crunchy, smooth and crumbly, savory and slightly sweet. The buttery cornbread topping soaks up just a hint of the cheese sauce beneath, forming a golden, crackly crust that’s both indulgent and irresistible.

It feels comforting and familiar, yet fresh and exciting. Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, it’s guaranteed to draw attention at the dinner table.

This recipe captures the heart of Southern cooking — simple, soulful, and made with love. Every bite tastes like home.

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Cornbread Topping is pure comfort food magic — a creamy, cheesy base crowned with buttery, golden cornbread crumbs that deliver crunch in every bite. It’s Southern-style, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make.

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that brings warmth, flavor, and texture to your table, this is it. Serve it during holidays, Sunday suppers, or cozy nights at home — because mac and cheese this good deserves to be shared.