Save A fusion comfort dish blending creamy mac and cheese with bold, aromatic flavors of Japanese katsu curry and topped with crispy panko for extra crunch. This dish is perfect when you crave something familiar with an exciting twist.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
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I first tried blending katsu curry with mac and cheese to impress a friend who loves Japanese food and American classics. The result was addictive and instantly became a requested favorite at home.
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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
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Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Boil the macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux & Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 3–5 minutes). Add cheddar, mozzarella, curry powder, curry paste (if using), soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Combine & Bake:
- Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix well. Transfer to prepared baking dish.
- Make Crispy Topping:
- In a skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter. Add panko and toast, stirring, until golden brown. Stir in sesame seeds.
- Assemble:
- Sprinkle toasted panko over mac and cheese. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve:
- Garnish with sliced spring onions and pickled ginger if desired.
Save Last time I made this, my kids loved layering extra panko on their servings. Sharing this at our family potluck always sparks conversations about everyone’s favorite comfort foods.
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Required Tools
Large pot, saucepan, whisk, skillet, baking dish, measuring cups and spoons are essential for making this dish smoothly.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy, gluten, soy, and sesame. If using katsu cutlets, egg may also be present. Always check product labels before cooking.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains 650 calories, 32 g fat, 67 g carbohydrates, and 23 g protein.
Save 
This fusion mac and cheese is comfort food with a punch, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Try it with a crisp green salad for contrast.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well, but other small pasta shapes may be used.
- → Can this be prepared vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit katsu cutlets and use vegetables or plant-based toppings for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- → Which cheeses add the best flavor?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a rich and gooey texture, but Gruyère can be substituted for deeper flavor.
- → Is the curry paste necessary?
Curry paste is optional—it adds extra depth, but Japanese curry powder alone provides a bold, aromatic profile.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Toast panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sesame seeds before sprinkling over the macaroni for a golden crunch.
- → Are there recommended accompaniments?
A crisp green salad pairs well, balancing the richness and complementing the fusion of flavors.
