Name: Rich Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 1/2 cups gruyère cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia. But this isn’t your typical boxed version. This rich mac and cheese is creamy, decadent, and deeply satisfying, with layers of flavor built from a medley of cheeses and a buttery béchamel base. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this dish is pure indulgence in every bite.

Imagine scooping into a bubbling, golden-topped casserole where each bite gives you a silky cheese pull, a slight crunch from toasted breadcrumbs, and a punch of flavor from sharp cheddar and tangy gruyère. This rich mac and cheese takes everything you love about the classic and elevates it with just a few extra steps.

Why You’ll Love This Rich Mac and Cheese

If you’re a fan of cheesy dishes, this one is a keeper. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a main dish, yet it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. The rich and creamy sauce clings to every noodle, and the mix of cheeses adds complexity and boldness without being overpowering. Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead and reheat for stress-free dinners or gatherings.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use?

The magic lies in the blend. Sharp cheddar brings the familiar bite, gruyère melts like a dream and adds depth, and mozzarella offers that stretchy, gooey goodness everyone loves. You can customize it with other favorites like fontina, parmesan, or even a touch of blue cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. Just make sure to use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest results.

Ingredients for the Rich Mac and Cheese

To create this luscious mac and cheese, you need a handful of quality ingredients that work together to build flavor and creaminess.

Elbow macaroni
Unsalted butter
All-purpose flour
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Sharp cheddar cheese
Gruyère cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Salt
Black pepper
Ground mustard
Paprika
Breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
Olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

The key here is balance. The flour and butter create a classic roux that thickens the milk and cream into a luxurious sauce. The seasoning adds just the right amount of kick, and the breadcrumb topping provides a satisfying contrast to the creamy pasta.

How To Make the Rich Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns golden. This forms the base of your creamy sauce.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Let it simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, ground mustard, and paprika.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar, gruyère, and mozzarella. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.

Step 6: Bake with Topping

Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Toss breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Serving and Storing Rich Mac and Cheese

This recipe feeds about 6 people as a main dish or up to 10 as a side. Serve it hot straight from the oven for maximum creaminess. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back its silky texture.

What to Serve With Rich Mac and Cheese?

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The crispy bitterness of roasted Brussels sprouts complements the creamy richness perfectly.

BBQ Ribs

A smoky, savory main dish like BBQ ribs adds bold contrast and makes this mac a knockout side.

Garlic Bread

You can never go wrong with warm garlic bread to scoop up that luscious cheese sauce.

Tomato Soup

The tang of a simple tomato soup pairs beautifully with this dish for a comforting meal.

Green Salad

A fresh green salad with vinaigrette brings a needed brightness and crunch.

Fried Chicken

Crunchy fried chicken and cheesy pasta are an indulgent combo made in comfort food heaven.

Sauteed Spinach

Lightly sauteed spinach brings balance to the plate and adds a healthy touch.

Pickled Vegetables

The tanginess of pickles or a pickled veggie medley helps cut through the richness.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this rich mac and cheese got your attention, here are a few more cheesy and comforting favorites to try next:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta when you want a touch of greens and tang.
One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni for a full meal in one pan.
Zucchini Lasagna Recipe if you’re in the mood for pasta with a veggie-forward twist.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce to sneak in some protein with the creaminess.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use all three cheeses or just your favorites? Did you go bold with some extra spice?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comfort food on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for weeknight inspiration.

Conclusion

Rich mac and cheese isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience in creamy indulgence. With its velvety cheese sauce, crispy topping, and deeply satisfying flavor, it checks all the boxes for a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to the table.