Katsu Curry Mac Cheese (Print Version)
A comforting fusion of creamy macaroni, bold curry, and crunchy panko for irresistible flavor and texture.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz elbow macaroni
→ Cheese Sauce
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1 tablespoon Japanese curry powder
08 - 1 tablespoon mild curry paste
09 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
10 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
11 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
12 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Crispy Topping
13 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
14 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
→ Optional Toppings
16 - 2 spring onions, sliced
17 - 1 tablespoon pickled ginger, finely chopped
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a medium baking dish and set aside.
02 - Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water per package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly; set aside.
03 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute until mixture is smooth.
04 - Gradually pour in 2 cups whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer, stirring, until thickened, 3–5 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Japanese curry powder, curry paste, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until cheeses melt and sauce is creamy.
06 - Fold cooked macaroni into cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
07 - In a skillet, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add panko and stir frequently until crumbs turn golden brown. Stir in sesame seeds for even distribution.
08 - Sprinkle toasted panko mixture evenly over the surface of the macaroni cheese.
09 - Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until sauce is bubbling and the topping is crisp and golden.
10 - Finish with sliced spring onions and pickled ginger, if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Creamy mac and cheese with a unique curry flavor
- Crispy panko topping adds delightful texture
02 -
- Contains milk, wheat (gluten), soy, and sesame seeds
- Add katsu cutlet for a non-vegetarian version
03 -
- Use Gruyère instead of cheddar for a more complex flavor
- Toast panko until just golden for maximum crunch