Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and rich, this dish is a sure crowd-pleaser for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound cellentani pasta (may sub rigatoni, penne or macaroni)
Cheese Sauce:
- 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 onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp 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
Panko Topping:
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, then strain and rinse with cold water.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk and evaporated milk. Add cornstarch, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. Stir in sharp cheddar until melted.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, toss until coated.
- Layer Casserole: Spread half of the mac and cheese in the baking dish. Layer with provolone, sour cream, and remaining mac and cheese. Top with Parmesan cheese.
- Make Panko Topping: Melt butter and oil, stir in panko until golden. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Broil if using panko topping. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end.
- Feel free to customize the cheese blend to your preference.
- This dish can be assembled ahead and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Mac and Cheese Casserole, Comfort Food, Baked Macaroni and Cheese
