Ultra-creamy, decadently cheesy, and worthy of its name, this Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese is comfort food at its finest. A rich blend of five to six cheeses, warm spices, and a silky sauce baked until golden makes it perfect for holidays, gatherings, or anytime indulgence.
Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese
Active time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Serves 10
Ingredients:
16 oz. uncooked cavatappi pasta, elbow, large shells or pasta of your choice
8 Tbsps. (1 stick) salted butter
2/3 cup grated sweet, yellow onion
2 tsps. dry mustard
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1/8 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/8 tsp. of cayenne pepper, or more for your liking
8 Tbsps. all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups of milk
2 cups of heavy cream
2 tsps. Worcestershire sauce
4 oz. Fontina, or Gouda, shredded (about 1 cup), divided
4 oz. Bellavitano (my favorite), or Asiago, shredded (about 1 cup), divided
4 oz. Gruyere, or Swiss, shredded (about 1 cup), divided
4 oz. Sharp Cheddar, white or yellow, shredded (about 1 cup), divided
4 oz. Mozzarella, or provolone, shredded (about 1 cup), divided
1/4 cup Parmesan, optional
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare pasta according to package directions for al dente.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, dry mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 30 seconds. Add flour, and cook, stirring until golden, for about 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Bring to a boil, whisking as you go. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, whisking, until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce. Remove from heat; stir in 3/4 cups of each of the cheeses, minus the parmesan, if you're using it, until melted. Reserve the remaining 1/4 cups of each cheese, plus parmesan, for topping later in the baking process. Stir in pasta; pour into a lightly greased 13 x 9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
3. Bake on a rimmed baking sheet in a preheated oven until bubbly and golden, 30 minutes. Remove from oven; increase oven temperature to broil. Sprinkle with reserved shredded cheeses; broil 6 inches from the heat until cheeses are melted and golden, about 2 minutes. Remove from oven; cool slightly on a wire rack for about 15 minutes.
Make-ahead tips: Prepare through Step 2 up to 1 day in advance; cover and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before proceeding with Step 3.