Mac and cheese is already the ultimate comfort food, but Million Dollar Mac and Cheese takes it to an entirely new level. With layers of rich, velvety cheese sauce, a crispy golden breadcrumb topping, and a surprise ingredient—sour cream—adding extra creaminess, this dish lives up to its luxurious name.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or a weeknight indulgence, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It transforms a simple mac and cheese into something decadent and unforgettable, making every bite taste like a million bucks.
What Makes This Mac and Cheese So Special?
There are plenty of baked mac and cheese recipes, but Million Dollar Mac and Cheese stands out for several reasons:
1. The Perfect Cheese Blend
Instead of using just one type of cheese, this recipe combines sharp cheddar for tang, smoked Gouda for depth, and mozzarella for gooeyness. The result? A perfectly balanced, ultra-rich cheese sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.
2. A Surprise Layer of Creaminess
The addition of sour cream takes this dish over the top. It adds an unexpected tangy, velvety texture, making the cheese sauce extra luscious and preventing it from drying out in the oven.
3. Buttery, Crunchy Breadcrumb Topping
The best mac and cheese isn’t just about the creamy sauce—it’s also about texture. A layer of buttery panko breadcrumbs adds the perfect crispy contrast, making every bite even more satisfying.
4. The Perfectly Baked Finish
Baking the mac and cheese gives it a golden, bubbly crust, ensuring that the flavors meld together beautifully while keeping the inside rich and creamy.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta and Sauce:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 stick (4 ounces), melted, divided
- Cavatappi Pasta: 1 pound
- Salt: For pasta water
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup
- Whole Milk: 3 cups
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- All-Purpose Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 8 ounces, shredded (about 2 cups)
- Smoked Gouda Cheese: 8 ounces, shredded (about 2 cups)
- Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces, shredded (about 2 cups)
- Sour Cream: 1 (8-ounce) container
For the Topping:
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups
- Fresh Chives: Chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large Dutch oven, whisk 4 tablespoons melted butter and flour over medium heat.
- Cook until light brown and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Cook until thickened, about 6–8 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in seasoning, mustard, and black pepper.
- Gradually add cheddar and Gouda cheeses, stirring until melted.
- Assemble the Mac and Cheese:
- Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, coating evenly.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture into the baking dish.
- Top with 1 cup of mozzarella, then spread sour cream evenly.
- Add the remaining pasta, then top with the final 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Garnish with chopped chives, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mac and cheese is already a classic, but this version is the ultimate upgrade. Here’s why it’s worth making:
- Restaurant-quality taste at home – This recipe feels gourmet but is easy to make.
- Rich and indulgent – It’s not just cheesy—it’s ultra-creamy and deeply flavorful.
- Great for special occasions – Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can prep it in advance and bake when ready.
- Versatile and customizable – Adjust the cheeses, add proteins, or make it gluten-free.
If you’re looking for the ultimate mac and cheese experience, this is it.
The Secret to a Perfect Cheese Sauce
One of the most common mistakes in mac and cheese is a grainy or clumpy cheese sauce. Follow these tips to get a smooth, creamy, and silky texture every time:
1. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamier texture.
2. Make a Proper Roux
A roux (a mixture of butter and flour) is the foundation of the cheese sauce. Cooking it long enough removes any raw flour taste, creating a silky smooth base for the cheese to melt into.
3. Add Cheese Off the Heat
If the cheese is added while the sauce is still on direct heat, it can seize up and become grainy. Remove the pot from the heat before stirring in the cheese.
4. Use the Right Cheeses
For the best flavor and texture, combine different types of cheeses. A mix of sharp, melty, and creamy cheeses creates a balanced, flavorful dish.
Pro Tips for the Best Million Dollar Mac and Cheese
To take this dish to the next level, follow these expert tips:
1. Use Cavatappi Pasta Instead of Elbows
Cavatappi has ridges and a spiral shape that holds onto the cheese sauce better, giving you more flavor in every bite.
2. Cook Pasta Until Just Al Dente
Overcooking pasta makes it mushy once baked. Cooking it just until al dente ensures it holds its shape in the final dish.
3. Don’t Skip the Sour Cream Layer
This is what makes the recipe stand out! Sour cream adds richness and creaminess that blends perfectly with the cheese sauce.
4. Let It Rest Before Serving
Once baked, let the mac and cheese rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly, making for cleaner scoops and better texture.
Delicious Variations to Try
This Million Dollar Mac and Cheese is incredible on its own, but you can also customize it to suit different tastes. Here are some fun variations:
1. Bacon Lovers’ Mac and Cheese
- Add crispy, crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce before baking.
- Sprinkle extra bacon bits on top for added crunch.
2. Spicy Kick Mac and Cheese
- Stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use spicy pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
3. Garlic Butter Herb Mac and Cheese
- Sauté minced garlic in the butter before making the roux.
- Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for a more savory depth of flavor.
4. Lobster Mac and Cheese
- Stir in chunks of cooked lobster before layering the pasta.
- Swap Gouda for Gruyère for a more luxurious flavor.
5. Gluten-Free Version
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free alternative.
- Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5–10 extra minutes to the baking time.
2. Can I Freeze Million Dollar Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
3. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
4. Can I Use a Different Cheese Blend?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, Monterey Jack, or even Brie for a unique twist.
5. Why Is My Cheese Sauce Grainy?
A grainy sauce happens when cheese is added over high heat. Always remove the sauce from heat before stirring in the cheese.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Experience
Million Dollar Mac and Cheese isn’t just a dish—it’s an experience. Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, tangy, and crispy textures, making it one of the most indulgent mac and cheese recipes out there.
Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast, a special gathering, or just to satisfy a mac and cheese craving, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to make the best mac and cheese you’ve ever tasted. Once you try this Million Dollar version, you may never go back to regular mac and cheese again!
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Easy Million Dollar Mac and Cheese | Cheesy & Delicious
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this dish takes classic mac and cheese to a luxurious new level. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving something extra special, every bite feels like a million bucks!
Ingredients
- 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted (divided)
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- Salt, for the pasta water
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 8 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 8 ounces low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
- 1 (8-ounce) container sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and set aside. - Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Roux:
- In a large Dutch oven, whisk together 4 tablespoons of melted butter and flour over medium heat.
- Cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture turns light brown and has a nutty aroma (about 3–4 minutes).
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Cook the mixture, whisking frequently, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (6–8 minutes).
- Remove from heat and whisk in the all-purpose seasoning, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
- Gradually add the cheddar and Gouda cheeses, one cup at a time, whisking until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Layer the Dish:
- Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, followed by an even layer of sour cream.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the final cup of mozzarella.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 3 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the mozzarella layer.
- Bake:
- Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Cheese Selection: Shred your own cheese for the smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can have anti-caking agents that may affect the texture.
- Pasta Options: While cavatappi is ideal, you can use elbow macaroni, penne, or shells.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes to the cook time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
