env: dev (uid: )
CookPal AI
Million Dollar Mac and Cheese

Million Dollar Mac and Cheese

Cost $15, save $20

Source: Recommended by CookPal

  • 40 Min
  • 10 Servings
  • $15

INGREDIENTS

  • Dairy

    • 🧈 8 tablespoons (4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted and divided
    • 🥛 2 1/2 cups whole milk
    • 🥛 1 1/2 cups half and half
    • 8 ounces sharp yellow Cheddar cheese
    • 4 ounces smoked yellow Cheddar cheese
    • 8 ounces Colby-Jack cheese
    • 3/4 cup sour cream

  • Pantry Staples

    • 1 1/2 cups buttery round crackers
    • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
    • 4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • 🧂 2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 cube vegetable bouillon

  • Pasta

    • 16 ounce cavatappi pasta

STEPS

1

Gather all ingredients. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the melted butter.

2

Stir crackers and 3 tablespoons of melted butter in a skillet; cook over medium until toasted.

3

Whisk flour and 4 tablespoons melted butter in a Dutch oven over medium until bubbly, about 2 minutes.

4

Gradually add milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly, until it coats a spoon lightly, 2 to 4 minutes.

5

Remove from heat; whisk in mustard, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and bouillon.

6

Gradually whisk in cheeses until melted and smooth.

7

Stir in cooked pasta until evenly coated. Spread half of the mixture into the baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Colby Jack.

8

Dollop and spread sour cream evenly over the mixture, then add the remaining pasta and cheeses.

9

Sprinkle cracker mixture evenly over the dish.

10

Bake in the oven until bubbly and browned, about 25 to 30 minutes.

11

Let cool for 5 minutes and garnish with chives before serving.

NUTRIENTS

Per 1 serving

🔥

594

Calories

  • 28
    Protein
  • 32
    Carbs
  • 40
    Fats

💡 You can substitute different pasta shapes based on your preference.Experiment with additional cheese varieties such as Gruyere or Fontina for enhanced flavor.Allow the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes after baking to make slicing and serving easier.