million dollar mac and cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best million dollar mac and cheese recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my million dollar mac and cheese recipe, a dish that has been a staple in our household for years. It’s a classic comfort food that never fails to impress, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your family as well.

The story behind this recipe begins with my grandmother, who used to make it for me when I was a child. She’d spend hours in the kitchen, perfecting the blend of cheeses, pasta shapes, and spices that would eventually become the million dollar mac and cheese recipe we know today.

As I grew older, I began to experiment with different variations of the recipe, adding my own twists and ingredients to make it my own. And let me tell you, this dish has become a game-changer in our household – it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even just as a pick-me-up when you need something comforting.

The best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills.

I’ve found that using high-quality ingredients like sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese makes all the difference in this dish – it adds depth and richness that will leave you wondering how you ever lived without it. And don’t even get me started on the pasta shape – I swear by cavatappi or shells for their perfect size and texture.

This is truly a million-dollar mac and cheese recipe in every sense of the word.

Million Dollar Mac and Cheese

Million Dollar Mac and Cheese

4.6 from 1744 votes

This ultra creamy and decadent mac and cheese combines three types of cheese with a rich, velvety sauce and a crispy golden topping. It is a perfect comfort food for family dinners or special occasions.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 650 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the Topping

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes, then drain in a colander and set aside.
4In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter.
5Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color and smells nutty.
6Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
7Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
8Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
9Add the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack cheeses, and stir until completely melted and smooth.
10Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is evenly coated.
11Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
12In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese.
13Sprinkle this topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
14Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
15Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large saucepan
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 650 kcal🧈Total Fat: 38g💛Saturated Fat: 23g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 890mg🌾Total Carbs: 48g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For the best flavor, use freshly shredded cheese from a block instead of pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness. You can also add cooked bacon or lobster for an extra indulgent twist.

Watch Video Of How Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Works

This million dollar mac and cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting dinner guests or just need something comforting after a long day. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy families like mine.

One thing that sets this recipe apart is its adaptability: feel free to customize with your favorite cheeses or add-ins! For storage ideas, consider portioning out individual servings into zip-top bags or freezer-safe containers for future meals.

When reheating leftovers, simply bake until golden brown – no fuss required.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Million Dollar Mac and Cheese

What is the origin of this mac and cheese recipe?

This mac and cheese recipe has its roots in classic American comfort food. The original recipe was passed down from my grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. Over time, I’ve made adjustments to suit my family’s taste preferences.

Can I use any type of pasta shape for this recipe?

While traditional elbow macaroni is a great choice, I highly recommend using cavatappi or shells for their perfect size and texture. These shapes help distribute the cheesy sauce evenly throughout each bite.

Is there a specific type of cheese I should use?

For this recipe, I recommend using a combination of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese. Sharp cheddar provides a tangy flavor while parmesan adds depth and richness.

How do I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming too dry?

To avoid dryness, make sure to not overcook the pasta or cheese sauce. Also, add some cream or milk if needed to achieve the desired consistency.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to 24 hours in advance by assembling all components separately then combining them just before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 2 months.

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