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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 3 cups whole milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) When you make Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese, choose high-quality ingredients. Each cheese brings a unique flavor. Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite, while Gruyère adds creaminess. Cream cheese makes the sauce smooth and rich. You can swap out some ingredients if needed. For cheese, consider gouda or mozzarella for a different taste. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free elbow macaroni. You can also use cashew cream or tofu for a plant-based version of cream cheese. Using fresh herbs as garnish adds a nice touch. It gives color and freshness to the dish. Plus, it makes the meal look fancy. For the full recipe, check the recipe section. To start, you need to boil the pasta. Fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni to the pot. Cook it until it is al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Drain the pasta and set it aside. To avoid sticky noodles, make sure you use enough water. Salting the water also helps. Rinse the pasta briefly with cold water to stop the cooking. This keeps it from getting mushy later. Next, we make a rich cheese sauce. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk it for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste, called a roux. Now, gradually add the whole milk while whisking. This helps prevent lumps. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and mix in the softened cream cheese. Stir until fully melted. Then, add the sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese in small handfuls. Stir each addition until melted. This will create a creamy, cheesy sauce. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. Now it’s time to bake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. To get a crispy top, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and slightly crispy edges to know it’s done. Remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color. Enjoy your Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese delight! For the full recipe, check the recipe section. To avoid a grainy cheese sauce, use fresh cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that can affect texture. Shred your cheese at home for the best melt. When cooking pasta, use just enough water to cover the noodles. This keeps the pasta from absorbing too much moisture. For the right amount of pasta, stick to the recipe. Eight ounces is ideal for creamy coverage. To boost flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth. For a gourmet twist, consider adding cooked lobster. Fold in chunks after the cheese sauce is ready. You can also drizzle truffle oil on top before serving for a rich aroma. Garnish your dish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color. This adds a fresh touch and brightens the dish. Serve in individual ramekins for a fancy look. You can also top with extra panko for a crunchy finish. A light dusting of extra cheese before baking gives an appealing crust. For drinks, pair with a chilled white wine or sparkling soda to enhance the meal. For the full recipe, explore the steps and ingredients to create this dish at home. {{image_2}} You can easily elevate your mac and cheese with lobster. Start by cooking about 8 oz of lobster meat. Boil it for 5-7 minutes until tender. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. Mix the lobster into your cheese sauce right before folding in the pasta. This adds a rich, buttery flavor. The combination of cheese and lobster creates a decadent dish. It's perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests. For a gourmet twist, consider adding truffle oil. Just drizzle 1-2 tablespoons into the cheese sauce after you melt the cheeses. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavor. Truffle oil has a strong taste, so a little goes a long way. This addition brings an earthy aroma to your dish. It transforms your Million Dollar Mac and Cheese into a fancy meal. You can adapt this recipe for plant-based diets. Replace cheese with vegan cheese options. Use cashew cream or tofu instead of cream cheese. For the pasta, choose gluten-free or whole grain options. This way, everyone can enjoy a rich, creamy mac and cheese. It’s a great chance to explore new flavors. Try adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. The Full Recipe can help guide you in making these modifications. To keep your Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese fresh, follow these steps: - Let the dish cool completely before storing. - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This method prevents moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. If you notice any odor, it is best to toss it. Freezing this dish is easy. Here’s how to do it right: - Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool fully. - Portion it into freezer-safe containers. - Label each container with the date. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, follow the guidelines below to keep the creamy texture. For the best results when reheating: - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Place the macaroni and cheese in a baking dish. - Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. - Cover with foil to lock in moisture. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy delight! For the full recipe of Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese, check the recipe details above. Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese stands out because of its rich ingredients. It uses sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese. These cheeses add a deep flavor that makes every bite special. The cream cheese gives it a smooth texture. You also get a crispy top from the panko breadcrumbs. Together, these elements create a dish that feels fancy yet comforting. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time! Cook the macaroni and make the cheese sauce as usual. Combine them in your baking dish. Let it cool, then cover it tightly. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready, just bake it as directed. This makes it perfect for a busy day or a party. Absolutely! This recipe serves six, but you can easily adjust it. Just double the ingredients if you need more. Use a larger baking dish to fit all the pasta and cheese. This dish is perfect for gatherings or potlucks. Everyone loves a creamy, cheesy meal, and this one will not disappoint. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. This blog post covered how to make Million Dollar Mac and Cheese. You learned about premium ingredients, tasty substitutions, and step-by-step instructions. I shared my tips to perfect the texture and elevate flavors. We also explored creative variations and proper storage methods. With this knowledge, you can create a dish that impresses friends and family. Enjoy crafting your own amazing mac and cheese!

Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese recipe! Packed with a creamy blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and cream cheese, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. With easy-to-follow steps, you'll create a rich, cheesy masterpiece topped with crispy panko. Click to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your mac and cheese game to millionaire status!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

1 cup cream cheese, softened

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Make the Roux: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly for about 2 minutes until it forms a paste (roux).

      Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.

        Incorporate Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.

          Cheese It Up: Add the sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese to the mixture a handful at a time, stirring until thoroughly melted.

            Season It: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

              Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.

                Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

                  Top with Panko: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

                    Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and slightly crispy.

                      Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6