This Million Dollar Mac & Cheese is creamy, cheesy goodness that will make your taste buds dance! It combines rich cheeses with tasty seasonings for a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.
Honestly, what’s better than a big bowl of cheesy pasta? I could eat this delicious dish every day! Plus, it’s pretty easy to whip up, making it a perfect comfort food for any day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic choice for mac and cheese. However, you can use other shapes like shells or cavatappi if you prefer. They’ll hold the cheese sauce well, too!
Cheddar Cheese: Using sharp cheddar gives a great flavor. If you’re looking for something milder, go for medium cheddar. Alternatively, try a blend of cheddar and gouda for a different taste.
Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese is super creamy. If you can’t find it, mozzarella is a nice substitute, giving you that gooey texture. For a bit of kick, pepper jack is an option!
Heavy Cream: The heavy cream adds richness. You can swap it with half-and-half if you want a lighter version, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a wonderful crunch. Regular breadcrumbs can work too, but they won’t be as crispy. If you want a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
Making the cheese sauce is key to achieving that creamy goodness. Start with a roux—this is a mix of butter and flour that thickens the sauce.
- Heat the butter, whisk in the flour until it’s bubbly (1-2 mins).
- Slowly add milk and cream while whisking to avoid lumps, then bring to a simmer until it thickens (5-7 mins).
- Remove from heat and mix in the cheeses until melted and smooth.
Remember, patience is important! If you rush the process, the sauce might not get as creamy as you’d like. Enjoy the cooking process!
Million Dollar Mac & Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), divided
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a mild smoky flavor)
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, totaling approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick process for such a delicious, creamy dish that will definitely impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, take a large baking dish and lightly butter it so the mac and cheese doesn’t stick later. This will make cleanup much easier!
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook it until it’s al dente, according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the macaroni well and set it aside for now.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) of the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour to make a roux. Keep whisking for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes bubbly and slightly golden—just don’t let it brown!
4. Add the Dairy:
Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens up. You want a nice creamy consistency here!
5. Stir in the Seasonings:
Take the sauce off the heat and stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. This will really help flavor the sauce!
6. Mix in the Cheeses:
Add the shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce, and mix until everything is melted and deliciously smooth.
7. Combine with Macaroni:
Now, it’s time to add the cooked macaroni to this heavenly cheese sauce. Stir gently until the macaroni is completely coated in the cheesy goodness.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
9. Prepare the Topping:
In a small skillet, melt the remaining 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the panko breadcrumbs until they are nicely coated with butter.
10. Add Topping and Bake:
Evenly sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top of the mac and cheese. Then, bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy, and you see the cheesy goodness bubbling around the edges.
11. Let it Rest:
Once baked, take it out and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit and makes serving easier!
12. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with some freshly chopped parsley for a nice pop of color and a bit of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of your Million Dollar Mac & Cheese!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the gluten-free pasta package, as cooking times may vary.
How Can I Make This Mac & Cheese Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten up the recipe, consider using low-fat milk instead of whole milk and omitting the heavy cream. You can also reduce the butter and cheese slightly while still achieving delicious flavor!
Can I Prepare This Mac & Cheese in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Just bake it longer, around 35-40 minutes, since it will be cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. A splash of milk can help revive the creaminess!