Name: Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound cavatrappi or elbow noodles.; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature.; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour.; 3 cups whole milk.; 12 oz evaporated milk.; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.; 1 teaspoon garlic powder.; 1 teaspoon onion powder.; 1 teaspoon dried parsley.; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.; 8 oz cheddar cheese, freshly shredded.; 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded.; 8 oz Gruyère cheese, freshly shredded.; 1 cup sour cream.; 3/4 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs.; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.

A wooden spoon lifts a serving of cheesy macaroni and cheese, topped with golden breadcrumbs, with gooey cheese stretching from the dish. | kitchenscroll.com

My kitchen smells heavenly every time I bake this million dollar mac and cheese. The combination of three premium cheeses melts into pure comfort food magic while that buttery panko topping turns golden and crispy. It's become my most requested recipe at every family gathering.

Why This Recipe Never Fails

This dish earned its fancy name in my kitchen through countless empty plates and happy smiles. The blend of sharp cheddar tangy Monterey Jack and nutty Gruyere creates layers of flavor that keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether it's Tuesday dinner or Christmas Eve this mac and cheese fits right in.

What's Going in the Pot

Cavatappi Pasta: Those spiral shapes catch every bit of sauce but regular elbows work beautifully too.
Cheeses: I always grate mine fresh the pre-shredded stuff just isn't the same.
Breadcrumbs: Panko makes the crunchiest golden top.
Milk Mix: Regular and evaporated milk create that silky smooth sauce.
Dijon: Just a spoonful brings out all those cheese flavors.
Sour Cream: My special touch for extra richness.

Let's Get Cooking

Perfect Your Pasta: Keep it slightly firm it'll finish cooking in the sauce.
Make Your Base: The roux is everything take your time and keep whisking those milks.
Add Those Cheeses: Watch them melt into creamy perfection.
Layer with Love: Build those beautiful cheese and pasta layers.
Top it Off: That buttery panko will become golden paradise.
Bake it Beautiful: Your kitchen will smell amazing as everything gets bubbly.

An overhead view of a countertop featuring ingredients for macaroni and cheese, including a baked dish of macaroni, various cheeses, milk, flour, spices, and condiments arranged in bowls. | kitchenscroll.com

My Kitchen Secrets

Fresh cheese makes all the difference here I've learned that the hard way. Watch your pasta cooking time and let your dutch oven do double duty from stovetop to oven saves on cleanup which is always a win in my book.

Mix It Up Your Way

Sometimes I drizzle in truffle oil when I'm feeling fancy. My seafood loving friends go crazy when I add lobster chunks. Smoked gouda instead of Gruyere adds such a lovely depth and don't get me started on what crispy bacon does to this dish.

Perfect Partners

We love this alongside some pulled pork in my house. A bright green salad cuts through all that richness perfectly. During the holidays it sits proudly next to the turkey and everyone goes for it first.

Keeping It Fresh

Pop any leftovers in the fridge they'll stay delicious for three days. A quick warm up in the oven brings back all that creamy goodness better than the microwave ever could.

A close-up view of a creamy macaroni and cheese dish topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb layer. | kitchenscroll.com

Make It Ahead

When I'm hosting I often prep this the day before just leaving off that crunchy topping. Let it come to room temperature add the panko and you're ready to bake fresh perfection.

Your Personal Touch

Sometimes I raid my cheese drawer for surprise additions. A drizzle of truffle oil here roasted garlic there maybe some sweet lobster meat when we're celebrating. Even leftover veggies find happy homes in this forgiving dish.

Good to Know

While this isn't exactly health food it's pure comfort in every bite. I balance it with a crisp salad and sometimes swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream when we're trying to be good.

Pure Comfort Gold

Every time I pull this bubbling beauty from the oven I fall in love with cooking all over again. That perfect balance of creamy cheese and crunchy top has brought so much joy to my table. Hope it brings the same warmth to yours.

A baked macaroni and cheese dish topped with golden breadcrumbs is displayed alongside a serving in a bowl, garnished with parsley. | kitchenscroll.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-shredded cheese?: Fresh-shredded cheese is highly recommended as pre-shredded contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce too thick.
→ Can I make this ahead?: Prepare up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, then add breadcrumbs just before baking. Let stand 30 minutes at room temperature.
→ How do I store leftovers?: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat with splash of milk in microwave or covered in oven at 325°F.
→ Why is my mac and cheese mushy?: Don't overcook the pasta - cook 1 minute less than package directions as it will continue cooking in the oven.
→ Can I substitute the Dijon mustard?: Use 1 teaspoon dried mustard instead. Don't use American mustard as it's too tangy and sharp.

Conclusion

A luxurious mac and cheese casserole that elevates the classic comfort food with three premium cheeses. The dish is creamy, rich, and topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.

Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Casserole