Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you re like me and believe there s nothing quite as comforting as a big bowl of mac and cheese, then you re going to want to give this Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe a try. I love this version because it s rich, creamy, and layered with not just cheddar but also Havarti and gruyere-two cheeses that melt beautifully and add an incredible depth of flavor. This is mac and cheese taken to the next level, perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without a ton of fuss.

What really makes the Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe stand out is the buttery, golden breadcrumb topping and the way it s layered with sour cream and melted butter to keep things extra creamy and decadent. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how it combined classic comfort food vibes with a slightly fancy twist that everyone loved. You ll find it s great for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something special and satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe was chosen to balance creaminess, flavor, and texture-so don t skip the layering cheeses or the breadcrumb topping for the best result. When shopping, try to find good-quality, freshly grated cheeses for maximum melt and flavor.

• Elbow macaroni: Classic mac and cheese pasta shape that holds sauce wonderfully.
• Butter: Used multiple times-in the sauce, layering, and breadcrumb topping to keep everything rich and golden.
• All-purpose flour: Acts as the thickening agent for the béchamel cheese sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess in the cheese sauce.
• Heavy cream: Adds extra richness and silkiness to the sauce.
• Cheddar: I recommend using a medium to sharp cheddar freshly grated for the perfect cheesy tang.
• Salt and black pepper: To season the sauce, balancing the cheese flavors.
• Melted butter (for layering): Helps the layers stay moist and adds richness.
• Sour cream: Gives a subtle tang and creamy mouthfeel between layers.
• Havarti cheese (freshly grated): A buttery, mild melting cheese that complements the cheddar.
• Gruyere cheese (freshly grated): Adds a nutty, sophisticated flavor and creamy texture.
• Panko bread crumbs: Creates that addictive crunchy topping.
• Garlic salt: For a subtle savory zing in the breadcrumb topping.
• Parsley (minced): Adds a fresh herbaceous note and a pop of color to the topping.

Variations

I love encouraging you to make this recipe your own! Whether you re like me and want it extra cheesy, or you need to tweak it to fit your pantry or dietary needs, there are some fun ways to customize the Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe to keep it exciting.

• Cheese swaps: I once swapped out the Havarti and gruyere for provolone and mozzarella for a milder, stretchier melt-and it worked great for a kid-friendly version.
• Make it spicy: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce spices things up nicely when you want a little kick.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour for a gluten-free blend to enjoy this comfort dish without gluten worries.
• Boost with veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms between layers for a veggie boost that doesn t take away from the creamy indulgence.

How to Make Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then cook the elbow macaroni for exactly one minute less than the package directions. This little trick means the pasta won’t get mushy during baking and will soak up just the right amount of cheesy sauce without falling apart. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium-sized pot, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour, cooking for about a minute until the raw flour taste is gone. Then, slowly pour in the milk and cream while whisking constantly. Keep whisking and cooking for a couple more minutes until thick and smooth-this is your béchamel base. Turn off the heat and stir in freshly grated cheddar, salt, and pepper until the sauce is velvety and rich.

Step 3: Combine Pasta And Cheese Sauce

Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and give it a good stir to coat each piece evenly. Now’s a good time to taste and add more salt or pepper if you feel it needs it. This ensures every bite is packed with comforting cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Layer The Magic

Butter the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish with melted butter-this keeps things from sticking and adds extra flavor. Spoon half of your cheesy macaroni in, then spread sour cream evenly over the top. Sprinkle the Havarti and gruyere cheeses over that layer for an extra cheesy hit. Finally, add the remaining macaroni on top and smooth it out.

Step 5: Top With Crunch

Mix the panko bread crumbs with melted butter, garlic salt, and parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese. This topping bakes up golden and crunchy, adding an irresistible contrast to the creamy layers underneath.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Bake the Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe in a preheated 375°F oven for about 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown to your liking. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes so it doesn’t over-brown. Serve immediately for that gooey, melty experience that melts hearts every time.

How to Serve Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top right after it comes out of the oven-it adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of truffle oil if I m feeling fancy. Freshly grated Parmesan on top also works for a salty hit.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe are something fresh and crisp to balance the creaminess-like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts with a bit of garlic. Grilled or roasted chicken pairs beautifully too if you want some protein alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For the holidays, I love making this in individual ramekins so everyone gets their own personalized portion with a perfectly crunchy top. It also makes for pretty presentation when guests come over. Another fun twist is baking it inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers to serve a festive, seasonal version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Million Dollar Mac and Cheese keeps surprisingly well in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store it in an airtight container, and before reheating, I like to add a splash of milk to loosen it up so it doesn t dry out. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave when done right.

Freezing

I ve frozen this dish before, and it works great for meal prep. Freeze in a tightly sealed container before baking (skip the breadcrumb topping if freezing), then thaw overnight in the fridge. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F, adding extra time as needed.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer the oven method: cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until warm and bubbly, usually about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain the crisp topping and creamy texture better than the microwave.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite comfort food staples. It s reliably creamy, cheesy, and rich, yet easy enough to whip up any day you need some kitchen magic. If you want a mac and cheese recipe that impresses without stress, this one s your go-to-I can t recommend it enough. Trust me, once you try it, it will be your new gold standard for all things cheesy and delicious!

Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 726 reviews

• Author: Megane
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Million Dollar Mac and Cheese is a decadent, layered baked pasta dish featuring a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, a blend of Havarti and gruyere cheeses, and a crispy garlic parsley panko breadcrumb topping. This rich and comforting casserole is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family meal.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 10 ounces cheddar, freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Layering:

• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 3 ounces Havarti, freshly grated
• 3 ounces gruyere, freshly grated

For the Bread Crumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 tablespoon parsley, minced

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the mac and cheese.
2. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for one minute less than the package directions indicate. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium-sized pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
4. Add Cheese and Season: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly grated cheddar, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted completely and the sauce is creamy.
5. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Prepare the Baking Dish: Pour the melted butter into the bottom of a 2-quart baking dish, coating the base evenly.
7. Layer the Dish: Spoon half of the macaroni and cheese into the baking dish. Spread the sour cream evenly over this layer. Sprinkle the freshly grated Havarti and gruyere cheeses on top. Then spoon the remaining macaroni and cheese over these layers.
8. Make the Bread Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, melted butter, garlic salt, and minced parsley. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.
9. Add Topping: Sprinkle the prepared bread crumb mixture evenly over the top layer of macaroni and cheese.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown to your liking.
11. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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Notes

• Use a medium to sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor in the cheese sauce.
• You can swap the Havarti and gruyere for other cheeses like provolone, colby jack, or mozzarella to suit your taste or budget.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta; cooking it just under the package time helps it hold texture during baking.
• The breadcrumb topping can be customized by adding different herbs or spices to enhance flavor.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 1/8th of the recipe)
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 1.5g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 85mg