Rich Million Dollar Macaroni Cheese Recipe
This Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese Casserole offers a decadent twist on a classic comfort food. It features a rich, creamy cheese sauce combined with perfectly cooked pasta, topped with a crunchy cracker and Parmesan crust. Easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser, this gourmet macaroni and cheese is perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish / Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until well blended.
- Beat the eggs in a small bowl, then add them to the cheese mixture along with the melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir thoroughly to combine.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. This is your Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese base.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers and grated Parmesan cheese to create the topping for your Million Dollar Macaroni Cheese.
- Sprinkle this topping evenly over the macaroni and cheese layer.
- Bake the Million Dollar Macaroni Cheese in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Remove the Million Dollar Macaroni Cheese from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, for an attractive finish on your Million Dollar Macaroni Cheese.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, use high-quality cheeses. Aged cheddar provides a deeper taste.
- Cook the macaroni just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Experiment with toppings like breadcrumbs, crushed chips, or sautéed onions for added texture.
- This Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- For a gluten-free Million Dollar Mac and Cheese, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your crackers are also gluten-free.
- To achieve an even creamier texture, increase the sour cream or add cream cheese to the mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: Approx. 550-650 (estimated)
- Sugar: Approx. 5-7g (estimated)
- Sodium: Approx. 800-1000mg (estimated)
- Fat: Approx. 35-45g (estimated)
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 20-25g (estimated)
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 15-20g (estimated)
- Trans Fat: Approx. 0-1g (estimated)
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-50g (estimated)
- Fiber: Approx. 2-3g (estimated)
- Protein: Approx. 20-25g (estimated)
- Cholesterol: Approx. 150-200mg (estimated)
Find it online: https://sarecipe.com/million-dollar-macaroni-cheese-recipe/