Oh boy, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: million dollar mac cheese! This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I remember the first time I made this for my friends—everyone was raving about how cheesy and delicious it was! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why I named it “million dollar” mac cheese; it’s worth every penny and then some! The secret lies in using a blend of sharp cheddar and heavy cream, creating a decadent sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. Let’s dive into the cheesy goodness together!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this million dollar mac cheese, and I promise it’s worth every bit of prep! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (the sharper, the better for that rich flavor!)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk works wonders for creaminess)
- 1 cup heavy cream (yes, this is what makes it so indulgently rich!)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for that buttery goodness)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (to thicken your cheese sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds a nice kick)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for that savory depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skimp on seasoning!)
Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking, and you’ll be on your way to cheesy perfection!
How to Prepare Million Dollar Mac Cheese
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff—making this million dollar mac cheese! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbling dish of cheesy goodness in no time.
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial, so don’t skip it!
- While the oven heats up, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You want it slightly firm because it’ll continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain it and set aside.
- Now, grab a medium saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Let it melt completely, but be careful not to let it brown.
- Once the butter is melted, add the flour. Whisk it for about 2 minutes to create a nice roux. This step is key for thickening your cheese sauce!
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens up, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Now it’s time to add the flavor! Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Next, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the saucepan. Stir until it’s melted and smooth—this is where the magic happens!
- Combine the cheese sauce with your cooked macaroni, making sure every piece is coated in that delicious sauce.
- Finally, transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Bake it in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden on top.
And voila! You’re just minutes away from digging into this creamy, dreamy million dollar mac cheese! Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Indulgently rich and creamy—every bite feels luxurious!
- Simple ingredients come together effortlessly for a crowd-pleasing dish.
- Perfectly cheesy, with that sharp cheddar flavor that makes you go “wow!”
- Comfort food at its finest, ideal for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends.
- Bakes into a bubbly, golden masterpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Great for leftovers—if you can manage to have any!
Tips for Success
To make your million dollar mac cheese truly unforgettable, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the roux—whisk it well for those 2 minutes to ensure a thick and creamy sauce. If you want an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing some garlic or shallots in the butter before adding the flour. Also, try using a mix of cheeses! Adding a bit of Gruyère or Monterey Jack can elevate your dish. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning as you go; a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make all the difference. Lastly, let it rest for a few minutes after baking—it’ll make serving easier and every bite even more delicious!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your million dollar mac cheese! One of my favorites is to mix in some cooked bacon or crispy pancetta for a smoky flavor. You could also swap out the sharp cheddar for a combination of cheeses—think creamy Gouda or tangy blue cheese for a twist! For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. If you’re looking for a veggie boost, stir in some steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms. And don’t forget about toppings! A crunchy layer of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter adds a delightful texture. Get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers of that delicious million dollar mac cheese? Lucky you! To store it, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to maintain that creamy goodness!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac cheese to a baking dish if it’s not already in one, and cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave—just make sure to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy! Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates, but here’s what you can expect per serving of this delicious million dollar mac cheese:
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
This mac and cheese is definitely a treat, so enjoy it in moderation, and savor every cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about my million dollar mac cheese? No problem! Here are some common ones I get:
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve. Just remember to cover it with foil to keep it moist!
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want to lighten it up a bit, you can substitute half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option. It’ll still be creamy!
Can I add vegetables to the mac cheese?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli, peas, or even roasted red peppers can add a nice touch. Just make sure to chop them small so they blend well.
How do I store leftovers?
Let it cool and transfer to an airtight container—it’ll last in the fridge for about 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal!
Can I freeze million dollar mac cheese?
Yes, you can! Just make sure it’s in an airtight container, and it should be good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Million Dollar Mac Cheese: 7 Steps to Cheesy Bliss
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A rich and creamy macaroni and cheese dish that is indulgent and satisfying.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.
Notes
- For added flavor, mix in cooked bacon or breadcrumbs on top.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 18g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 45g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 80mg
Mots-clés: million dollar mac cheese, macaroni and cheese, comfort food
