Million Dollar Mac and Cheese
+10 photos

Million Dollar Mac and Cheese

Our test kitchen set out to create a mac and cheese recipe worth a million bucks, and boy did they achieve it. With four types of cheese, a deeply flavorful sauce, the perfect pasta shape, and a buttery cracker topping, this may very well be the best mac and cheese you ever make.

Ingredients

  • unsalted butter

    melted and divided

    8 tbsp
  • roughly crushed buttery round crackers

    such as ritz

    1 ½ c
  • all-purpose flour

    about 1 1/8 ounces

    ¼ c
  • warm whole milk

    about 105°f

    2 ½ c
  • warm half-and-half

    about 105°f

    1 ½ c
  • dijon mustard
    4 tsp
  • kosher salt
    2 tsp
  • garlic powder
    1 tsp
  • smoked paprika
    ¼ tsp
  • cube vegetable bouillon

    very finely crushed, from 1 [2.1-ounce] pkg.

    1
  • sharp yellow cheddar cheese

    shredded, 2 cups

    8 oz
  • smoked yellow cheddar cheese

    shredded, 1 cup

    4 oz
  • colby-jack cheese

    shredded and divided, 2 cups

    8 oz
  • dried cavatappi pasta

    cooked to al dente according to package directions

    1
  • part-skim mozzarella cheese

    shredded, divided, 2 cups

    8 oz
  • sour cream

    at room temperature

    ¾ c
  • chopped fresh chives

Directions

  1. 1

    Gather all ingredients. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of melted butter.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Stir crackers and 3 tablespoons of the melted butter together in a medium skillet; cook, stirring often, over medium until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat; set aside.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Whisk flour and remaining 4 tablespoons melted butter together in a large Dutch oven over medium heat; cook, whisking constantly, until still blond in color but bubbly and somewhat toasty in aroma, about 2 minutes.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Gradually add milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly, until combined. Cook over medium heat, whisking often, until milk mixture can very lightly coat the back of a spoon and hold a trail when a finger is dragged through, 2 to 4 minutes.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Remove from heat; whisk in mustard, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and bouillon until dissolved and well combined.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Gradually whisk in Cheddar, smoked Cheddar, and 1 cup of the Colby Jack, one cup at a time, until melted and smooth.

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Stir in cooked pasta until evenly coated. Spread half of the pasta mixture into prepared pan; top evenly with 1 cup of the mozzarella and 1/2 cup of the Colby Jack. Dollop and spread sour cream evenly over mozzarella mixture.

    Step 7
  8. 8

    Top evenly with remaining pasta mixture; sprinkle with remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Colby Jack.

    Step 8
  9. 9

    Sprinkle crushed cracker mixture evenly over pasta mixture.

    Step 9
  10. 10

    Bake in preheated oven until pasta mixture is bubbly around the edges, 25 to 30 minutes, loosely covering with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning, if needed. Let stand on a wire rack 5 minutes.

    Step 10
  11. 11

    Garnish with chives and serve immediately.

    Step 11
Million Dollar Mac and Cheese
+10

Million Dollar Mac and Cheese

594 cal

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About this Recipe

Ready for the ultimate comfort food experience that truly lives up to its name? This Million Dollar Mac and Cheese recipe is designed to deliver an unbelievably rich, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds, making it the perfect centerpiece for any cozy meal.

What makes this mac and cheese truly exceptional is its symphony of four distinct cheeses—sharp cheddar, smoked cheddar, Colby-Jack, and mozzarella—each playing a vital role in creating an unparalleled depth of flavor and an irresistibly creamy texture. The sauce is further enriched with warm whole milk and half-and-half, savory Dijon mustard, a touch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a secret weapon: finely crushed vegetable bouillon. This combination creates a profoundly flavorful base that sets it apart from ordinary versions, all crowned with a buttery, crispy cracker topping.

Prepare yourself for a truly luxurious mac and cheese experience. You'll encounter a velvety-smooth, deeply savory cheese sauce that clings perfectly to every curve of the cavatappi pasta. The careful selection of cheeses ensures a rich, complex flavor profile with a delightful stretch and gooeyness, while the smoked cheddar and paprika add subtle, intriguing notes. The final touch, a generous layer of buttery, crushed crackers, provides a glorious crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. This dish is hearty and comforting, designed to be a showstopper without being overly complicated.

While this recipe shines with its specific blend of cheeses, you can explore variations. If smoked yellow cheddar is hard to find, a little extra sharp yellow cheddar combined with an additional pinch of smoked paprika can offer a similar nuance. For a touch of green, consider folding in some lightly steamed broccoli florets or peas during the last few minutes. This recipe is naturally vegetarian as written, making it a crowd-pleaser for many. If you prefer, other short, sturdy pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or medium shells can be used, though cavatappi's spirals are ideal for catching every bit of sauce.

This rich and satisfying Million Dollar Mac and Cheese makes for an ideal family dinner or a standout dish to bring to a potluck. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives just before serving for a vibrant burst of color and a fresh, subtle oniony bite.

Frequently Asked Questions