Pin A fusion comfort dish blending creamy mac and cheese with the bold, aromatic flavors of Japanese katsu curry, topped with crispy panko for extra crunch.
I first made this Katsu Curry Mac & Cheese for a weekend get-together and it was a crowd-pleaser. The golden panko crust and rich curry cheese sauce brought smiles all around.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 150 g (1 ½ cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 60 g (½ cup) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 tbsp Japanese curry powder, 1 tbsp mild curry paste (optional, for richer flavor), 1 tsp soy sauce, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Crispy Topping: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 80 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Optional Toppings: 2 spring onions (sliced), 1 tbsp pickled ginger (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux:
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Thicken:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
- Finish Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cheddar, mozzarella, curry powder, curry paste (if using), soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce, mixing well to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Panko Topping:
- In a skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add the panko and toast, stirring, until golden brown. Stir in the sesame seeds.
- Top and Bake:
- Sprinkle the toasted panko mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with sliced spring onions and pickled ginger before serving, if desired.
Pin This dish has become our family's fusion favorite and brings up fun memories of experimenting in the kitchen together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad and a side of pickled vegetables to balance the richness.
Ingredient Swaps
Try Gruyère instead of cheddar or add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for more savory depth.
Allergen Info
Double-check labels for allergens and substitute as needed for dietary preferences.
Pin Enjoy this creative comfort classic fresh from the oven. Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli for similar results.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Add extra curry powder or use a hot curry paste to increase the spice level to your liking.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free macaroni and flour alternatives, and check panko ingredients to suit dietary needs.
- → What cheese works best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a creamy base, but Gruyère or Monterey Jack are excellent substitutes.
- → Can it be made ahead of time?
Prepare and refrigerate before baking, then bake when ready to serve. Add topping just before baking for best texture.
- → Are there other topping ideas?
Try crispy shallots, chopped herbs, or fried garlic for added flavor and texture variation on the topping.