Few dishes can compete with the creamy, cheesy goodness of Million Dollar Mac & Cheese. This decadent twist on classic favorite side dish recipes is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any special occasion. With its rich blend of cheeses and buttery, crispy topping, it's worth every calorie. Elevate your next meal with this luxurious dish!
Cheesy side dish recipes like this macaroni and cheese recipe are always a big hit with my family.
Rich and creamy main dish comfort food like homemade fettucine alfredo, Chicken Tetrazzini, cheesy Baked Ziti are crowd pleasers and can be stretched to feed a large family. You can go wrong when it comes to rich and cheesy recipes!
What are Million Dollar Recipes?
Million Dollar recipes are all about taking classic comfort foods to the next level of decadence. These recipes often include richer ingredients, extra layers of flavor, and luxurious touches that transform everyday dishes into something extraordinary.
They are perfect for special occasions when you want to show off your cooking skills and treat your loved ones to a memorable meal.
Tastes So Delicious
Million Dollar Mac & Cheese combines the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, thanks to a mix of sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyere, Monterey jack cheese, tangy sour cream and Dijon mustard.
Each bite delivers a gooey, cheesy explosion that will leave your taste buds begging for more. The top cheese layer is sprinkled with a mixture of buttery panko breadcrumbs, providing a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta beneath.
This recipe ensures a perfectly balanced flavor profile, making every mouthful an indulgent experience.
Each ingredient brings its unique qualities to the dish, resulting in a harmonious blend that is both comforting and indulgent.
The Ingredients
Below is a quick look at the ingredients and directions. You can find the entire ingredient amounts and step by step directions in the recipe card below. P. S. You can also save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box! ⬇️
The Pasta:
- Pasta: Cavatappi or jumbo elbow macaroni: The foundation of the dish, these pasta shapes hold the creamy cheese sauce well, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
The Sauce Base:
- Milk and whipping cream or half and half: These liquids create a rich and silky base for the cheese sauce, enhancing the luxurious texture of the dish.
- Butter (plus more to grease the baking dish): Butter adds depth of flavor and richness. It's also used to grease the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Unbleached all-purpose flour: Combined with butter, this flour forms a roux that thickens the sauce, giving it a perfectly creamy consistency.
The Cheese Blend:
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides a robust, tangy flavor and contributes to the gooey texture.
- Monterey jack cheese: Known for its smooth melting properties, it blends well with other cheeses and adds a mild, creamy flavor.
- Gruyere cheese: This cheese brings a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and enhances the dish's overall sophistication.
Additional Ingredients:
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy richness, ensuring the sauce is extra creamy.
- Dijon mustard: Introduces a subtle tang that deepens the flavor profile of the cheese sauce.
- Lawry's seasoned salt: A blend of spices that enhances the overall taste, adding a savory depth.
- Minced parsley: Provides a fresh, herby note and a pop of color.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balances the richness of the cheese.
Panko Topping:
- Seasoned Panko bread crumbs: These breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch and texture contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
- Unsalted butter: Helps to toast the breadcrumbs, making them golden and crispy.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the panko topping.
This combination of ingredients results in a decadent and flavorful mac and cheese that truly lives up to its "Million Dollar" name.
👇See the detailed step by step directions in the recipe card below!
Recipe Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of a 4 quart Casserole dish with softened butter and set aside.
- Boil the pasta following the directions on the box.
- Shred all of the cheeses.
- Measure out the other ingredients and have nearby.
Step by Step Directions
- Step 1: Boil the pasta in a large pot in salted water until al dente. Once cooked, drain well in a colander and return to the pot you cooked them in. Set aside until needed.
- Step 2: Make the cheese sauce.
- Step 3: Combine the cheese sauce with the pasta.
- Step 4: Layer the ingredients in the prepared casserole dish.
- Step 5: Sprinkle the top with the Panko bread crumbs.
- Step 6: Bake until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling.
- Step 7: Slightly cool so the sauce thickens slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Mac and Cheese recipe is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Here are some perfect events and gatherings for serving this indulgent recipe:
- As a BBQ Side Dish: Make it part of a BBQ feast by serving it as a side to grilled meats like steak, chicken, or ribs. The smoky, savory flavors of the meat will contrast nicely with the creamy, cheesy mac and cheese.
- Game Day or Tailgating: Perfect for game day celebrations or tailgating events. It’s hearty, comforting, and can be kept warm in a slow cooker for easy serving throughout the event.
- Holiday Celebrations: A wonderful addition to holiday tables like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter. It adds a touch of luxury to the traditional spread and pairs well with other festive dishes.
- Special Occasions: Great for any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a decadent and memorable meal like birthday parties, Father's Day or Mother's Day.
This dish is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to any occasion with its rich flavors and comforting appeal.
Helpful Cooking Tools
Using the right tools is just as important as using the right ingredients. Make sure your recipes turn out perfect every time.
Conclusion
Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, Million Dollar Mac & Cheese is a must-try recipe that will elevate your culinary repertoire. With its irresistible blend of creamy cheeses and crunchy topping, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the ultimate in comfort food perfection.
More Cheesy Recipes
Looking to indulge in more cheesy delights? Whether you're craving something creamy, savory, or just downright delicious, our collection of cheesy recipes has got you covered.
⭐Leave a Star Rating
Have you tried the recipe? Leave a star rating in the recipe card below to let me know how the recipe turn out.
Email questions or recipe requests to flouronmyface@gmail.com. Follow me on Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Million Dollar Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 16 oz Cavatappi pasta ( or jumbo elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups whipping cream or half and half
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (plus more to grease the baking dish)
- ¼ cups unbleached all purpose flour
- 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Monterey jack cheese
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup sour cream (or Creme Fraiche)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Lawreys seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon minced parsley
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Panko Topping Ingredients
- 1 cup seasoned Panko bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Recipe Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350 F. degrees. Grease the bottom and sides of a 4 quart Casserole dish with softened butter and set aside.
- Boil the pasta following the directions on the box.
- Shred all of the cheeses.
- Measure out the other ingredients and have nearby.
Make the Sauce
- In a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt the ¼ cup of butter. Add the flour and whisk until the flour has blended with the butter forming a thick lump free paste. Continue to whisk as the roux cooks for 2 to 3 minutes and becomes a light golden color. Once golden, while whisking slowly pour the milk and half and half into the sauce pan. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
- Add the Dijon mustard, seasoned salt, parsley and black pepper to the mixture. Cook the sauce for 5 or 6 minutes, while whisking constantly as it thickens.
- Turn off the burner. While whisking slowly add the shredded cheddar and Monterey jack cheese a cup at a time until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Once the cheeses have melted completely pour the cheese sauce over the drained pasta in the pot. Stir to coated evenly.
- Pour half of the pasta into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half the Gruyere cheese over the pasta.
- Dollop the sour cream over the shredded cheese and using a spoon spread in an even layer.
- Pour the remaining pasta and cheese sauce into the Casserole dish and spread over the top. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere cheese over the top.
- Mix the Panko topping ingredients in a small bowl and Sprinkle over the top of the last layer of cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest on the counter for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Leave a Reply