Cheese Crumb Topping

Sharp cheddar, butter, and dry bread crumbs combined into a savory crumble that goes on top of just about any casserole or baked vegetable dish. Three ingredients, five minutes, and you’ve got a golden, crunchy topping that melts and crisps in the oven.

Sharp cheddar is the right choice here. Mild cheddar melts fine but doesn’t contribute much flavor to a thin topping layer. Sharp or extra-sharp gives you a tangy bite that stands out even in small amounts scattered across the surface of a dish.

The butter binds the bread crumbs and cheese together so they form small, craggy clusters rather than a flat, uniform layer. Those clusters are what create the best texture: crispy peaks with melted cheese pockets underneath.

Use this on scalloped potatoes, broccoli bakes, mac and cheese, or any casserole that benefits from a crunchy, cheesy top layer.

Kitchen Tips

• Use the coarsest bread crumbs you can find, or make your own by pulsing stale bread in a food processor. Fine, powdery crumbs turn dense rather than crunchy when baked.
• Distribute the topping evenly but don’t press it down. Loose crumbs crisp better than packed ones.
• Add the topping during the last 10-15 minutes of baking so it crisps without burning.