This Million Dollar Mac & Cheese is extra creamy and cheesy, making it the ultimate comfort food. With a blend of rich cheeses and a buttery topping, it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
You’ll want to savor every bite. Honestly, I could eat this for every meal! Plus, it’s easy to whip up for parties or a cozy night in. Enjoy it with a sprinkle of love! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice for mac and cheese, but feel free to swap it for shell pasta or cavatappi for a fun twist!
Sharp White Cheddar: This cheese gives a great flavor. If you want a milder taste, you can use regular cheddar or add some pepper jack for a hint of spice.
Gruyere Cheese: Gruyere adds creaminess and depth. A good substitute is Emmental or even mozzarella for a stretchier texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide a wonderful crunch on top. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Whole Milk & Heavy Cream: For richness, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or even almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.
How Do I Make the Perfect Cheese Sauce?
Making a smooth cheese sauce can be tricky, but following a few key steps helps! First, always whisk the flour with butter to form a roux. This thickens your sauce and prevents lumps.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour, whisking constantly for about 2 minutes until it’s a pale color.
- Slowly pour in milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and add cheese gradually, mixing until melted and smooth.
This method keeps your cheese sauce creamy and delicious, the perfect base for your mac and cheese!
How to Make Million Dollar Mac & Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious mac and cheese recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll bake it for 25-30 minutes. In total, plan for about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, butter a large baking dish or an oven-safe skillet to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Macaroni:
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside for later.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour for about 2 minutes to make a roux. Be careful not to let it brown!
4. Add Milk and Cream:
Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep the mixture smooth. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Add Flavorings:
Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to your taste. This will give your cheese sauce a great flavor!
6. Cheese It Up:
Gradually add the shredded sharp white cheddar and Gruyere cheeses to the sauce while stirring until everything is melted and nice and smooth.
7. Combine with Macaroni:
Now, add the cooked macaroni to your creamy cheese sauce and mix gently until all the pasta is coated in that delicious cheese!
8. Transfer and Top:
Pour your mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle them evenly over the top. This will create a lovely crispy topping.
9. Bake It:
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Let It Rest:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set a little.
11. Garnish and Serve:
Before digging in, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top if you like. Now you’re ready to enjoy your rich, creamy, and crunchy Million Dollar Mac & Cheese!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp white cheddar and Gruyere are recommended for their creamy texture and bold flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of your favorites for a unique twist.
Can I Make This Mac & Cheese Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Can I Make It Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, just substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same. Enjoy your deliciously indulgent mac and cheese without the gluten!