Million Dollar Mac & Cheese
Mac & cheese has earned its place at the table, and this version gives the beloved classic the star treatment. Our “Million-Dollar” Mac & Cheese takes familiar comfort and elevates it with a trio of rich, indulgent cheeses and a golden, crunchy panko topping. The result? A creamy, velvety casserole that feels as luxurious as it tastes.
Whether you’re feeding a holiday crowd or adding something special to a weeknight meal, this bake-to-perfection dish shines in a gas oven and is guaranteed to be the first pan scraped clean.
Serves: 8 Servings
Prep Time: 15 mins.
Cook Time: 1 hr.
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- Kosher salt
- 1 lb. cavatappi
- 12 Tbsp. unsalted butter (preferably at least 82% butterfat), divided
- 1/2 cup (60 g.) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 (12-oz.) can evaporated milk
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 8 oz. fontina, shredded
- 8 oz. French Raclette, shredded
- 3 oz. Pecorino Romano, finely shredded
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Gold leaf, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 350°. Grease a 13″ x 9″ baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta, stirring occasionally and checking 2 minutes before recommended time on package directions, until just al dente. Drain.
- Meanwhile, in another large pot over medium heat, melt 8 Tbsp. butter. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, until paste is bubbling across bottom of pot and just a shade darker in color, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Whisk in whole milk and evaporated milk and cook, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in mustard; season with pepper.
- Remove pot from heat and add fontina, French Raclette, and Pecorino Romano. Using a rubber spatula, fold in cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. (Return pot to low heat if necessary to finish melting.) Season with salt, if needed. Fold in pasta.
- In a wide skillet over medium-low heat, melt remaining 4 Tbsp. butter. Add panko; season with 1/4 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until bread crumbs are golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour pasta mixture into prepared dish. Top with crispy panko.
- Bake mac & cheese, uncovered, until warmed through and crispy on top, 25 to 30 minutes. Top with gold leaf (if using).
See original recipe here: delish.com