Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound cellentani pasta)
(may sub rigatoni, penne or macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
- 1 tsp EACH onion pwdr
garlic pwdr, dried parsley, salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes)
(optional
- 4 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 6-8 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- 1
Cook pasta just until al dente according to package directions – don’t overcook! Strain and rinse with cold water.
- 2
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish. Set aside.
- 3
Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat then whisk in flour. Cook, while stirring for 2 minutes. Turn heat to low then gradually whisk in milk. Whisk cornstarch into evaporated milk and gradually add to skillet followed by Dijon mustard and all remaining spices/seasonings.
- 4
Bring to a boil, whisking constantly then reduce heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally until thickened (but not overly thick). Remove from heat and whisk in sharp cheese until melted. Add pasta and toss until evenly coated (it will seem like a lot of extra sauce which is a good thing).
- 5
Pour half of the macaroni and cheese into prepared baking dish. Layer macaroni evenly with provolone cheese followed by an even layer of sour cream. Pour remaining macaroni and cheese over sour cream and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle with 1 cup Parmesan cheese (or more to taste).
- 6
Panko topping (optional): Melt butter in olive oil over medium heat in a medium skillet. Add panko and stir to coat. Continue cooking until crumbs become golden brown. Evenly sprinkle over macaroni and cheese.
- 7
Bake 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and inside provolone is melted. If not topping with panko, broil until Parmesan is golden. Cool 10 minutes to set before serving.
Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Casserole
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About this Recipe
Searching for a mac and cheese casserole that truly lives up to its name? This Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Casserole delivers an unparalleled level of creamy, cheesy indulgence that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
What sets this recipe apart is its ingenious construction: a rich, homemade cheese sauce meets a secret layer of provolone cheese and sour cream baked right into the casserole. This hidden gem melts into the pasta, creating an unbelievably velvety texture and an extra depth of flavor that's simply irresistible.
Prepare yourself for a truly decadent experience. Each spoonful of this Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Casserole offers a symphony of textures, from the tender pasta to the outrageous gooeyness of multiple cheeses. You'll savor the sharp tang of freshly grated sharp cheddar balanced with the savory depth of Parmesan and the mild, melty provolone. The secret sauce, thickened with a combination of flour and cornstarch, and enriched with both milk and evaporated milk, creates an incredibly creamy base that holds everything together without becoming gluey. The touch of Dijon mustard and a whisper of red pepper flakes (if you choose to include them) elevate the flavor profile, ensuring it's anything but bland. This isn't just a side dish; it's a comforting, main-event meal that will satisfy even the most serious cheese cravings.
While the classic is phenomenal, this Million Dollar Mac and Cheese is also wonderfully adaptable. If you're sensitive to heat, simply omit the red pepper flakes, or for an extra kick, lean into the higher end of the suggested amount. The recipe specifies cellentani pasta, but you can confidently use rigatoni, penne, or classic macaroni without issue.
This indulgent casserole is perfect for family gatherings, holiday potlucks, or any occasion where comfort food is king. Serve it hot and bubbling from the oven, perhaps alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness, and watch it disappear.