Introduction
Million Dollar Mac and Cheese is an indulgent dish that elevates the classic comfort food to new heights. With layers of creamy cheese sauce, a variety of delightful cheeses, and a crunchy topping, this mac and cheese is perfect for special occasions or when you simply want to treat yourself. Follow the detailed recipe below to create this cheesy masterpiece that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Pasta:
– 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
Cheese Sauce:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups whole milk
– 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
– 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Layering:
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
Topping:
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35-40 minutes
Total Time
50-55 minutes
Yield
Serves 8-10
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until 2 minutes before al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
3. Prepare the Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Gradually whisk in the flour, cooking for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly to achieve a smooth mixture. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and ground nutmeg. Continue to cook and stir for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, one handful at a time, until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Assemble the Casserole: Spread half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly spread the sour cream over the pasta layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyère cheese over the sour cream. Add the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining Gruyère cheese over the top layer.
7. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and chopped parsley. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
8. Add the Topping: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the assembled casserole.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Million Dollar Mac and Cheese!
This delightful dish is sure to become a family favorite, making every meal feel like a special occasion.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until 2 minutes before al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
3. Prepare the Roux:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Gradually whisk in the flour, cooking for about 2 minutes to form a roux.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
Slowly pour in the whole milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly to achieve a smooth mixture. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and ground nutmeg. Continue to cook and stir for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, one handful at a time, until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Evenly spread the sour cream over the pasta layer. Sprinkle half of the shredded Gruyère cheese over the sour cream. Add the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture on top. Finish by sprinkling the remaining Gruyère cheese over the top layer.
7. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and chopped parsley. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
8. Add the Topping:
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the assembled casserole.
9. Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
10. Rest and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Million Dollar Mac and Cheese!
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
This dish is great as a main course or as a side for grilled meats.
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for best texture.
Variations:
Feel free to add cooked bacon, lobster, or vegetables to elevate the dish further.
Cook Techniques
Cooking Pasta
To achieve perfectly cooked pasta for your mac and cheese, boil the pasta in salted water until it’s just 2 minutes shy of al dente. This ensures that the pasta won’t become mushy after baking.
Making a Roux
A roux is created by cooking equal parts flour and fat (butter) together. This forms the base of your cheese sauce and helps to thicken it. Cook it for about 2 minutes over medium heat until bubbly.
Creating a Cheese Sauce
To make a smooth cheese sauce, gradually add milk and half-and-half to the roux while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and ensures a creamy consistency. Add cheese at the end for a smooth finish.
Layering Ingredients
When assembling the casserole, alternate layers of macaroni, sour cream, and cheese. This technique ensures even distribution of flavors and creamy texture throughout the dish.
Baking for Texture
Bake the assembled casserole until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. This step enhances flavors and creates a pleasant crust on top.
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni or cavatappi with other pasta shapes like shells or penne, just ensure they can hold the cheese sauce well.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the macaroni and cheese, layer it in a casserole dish, cover it, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Just bake it prior to serving.
What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?
If Gruyère cheese is unavailable, you can substitute with Swiss cheese or a blend of mozzarella and aged cheddar for a similar flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Certainly! You can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add jalapeños to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Mac and Cheese is a delightful blend of rich flavors and creamy textures, making it a perfect choice for any gathering or comfort food craving. The combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère cheeses, layered with sour cream, elevates this dish to a new level of indulgence. Serve it hot and enjoy the smiles it brings to the table!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Add shredded cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce to the macaroni cheese mix for a spicy twist that’s sure to please.
Truffle Mac and Cheese
Incorporate truffle oil or truffle salt into the cheese sauce for a gourmet touch that enhances the flavors beautifully.
Vegetable Mac and Cheese
Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted cauliflower to add a nutritious element while enhancing the overall taste.
BBQ Bacon Mac and Cheese
Mix in crispy bacon and a splash of BBQ sauce to give your mac and cheese a smoky, savory depth.
Mac and Cheese with Lobster
For a luxurious version, fold in cooked lobster meat for an opulent seafood twist that’s perfect for special occasions.
