Name: Rich Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping); 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Golden, creamy, and packed with indulgent flavor, this Rich Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food upgrade. With a luscious blend of cheeses and a buttery, crispy topping, every bite melts in your mouth and leaves you reaching for more. It’s a dish that takes your everyday mac and cheese and transforms it into something irresistibly decadent.

Whether you’re planning a holiday feast, a cozy weekend dinner, or just need a satisfying dish to warm you up, this baked mac and cheese delivers. The top bakes to a perfect golden crisp while the inside stays wonderfully gooey and rich. One forkful, and you’ll know why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your comfort food hall of fame.

Why You’ll Love This Rich Mac and Cheese

Ultra-creamy sauce made with real cheese.
Buttery panko topping adds irresistible crunch.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or serving at holidays.
Reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers.
Easy to customize with mix-ins like bacon or jalapeños.

What Kind of Cheese Should I Use for Mac and Cheese?

The secret to ultra-rich mac and cheese is blending multiple types of cheese. Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, mozzarella gives it that stretchy pull, and Gruyère or gouda brings the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty.

Ingredients for the Rich Mac and Cheese

Creating this irresistible baked mac and cheese starts with quality ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving that creamy interior and crunchy top.

Elbow Macaroni: Classic shape for holding the cheesy sauce in every curve.
Butter: Adds richness to the roux and gives the topping a golden finish.
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening the cheese sauce.
Milk & Heavy Cream: The perfect combo for a velvety, smooth base.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and bold, it’s the backbone of flavor.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds gooey texture.
Gruyère Cheese: Offers nutty depth and creamy richness.
Salt & Pepper: Brings all the flavors into balance.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For that perfectly crisp golden crust.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness for garnish.

How To Make the Rich Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. You don’t want it overcooked since it will bake more in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for about 1 minute until golden and bubbling.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

Gradually whisk in the milk and cream until smooth. Let it simmer and thicken for 5 minutes. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère until completely melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat every piece. Pour into a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Rich Mac and Cheese

This rich mac and cheese feeds about 6 to 8 people, making it a wonderful main or side dish. Serve it fresh from the oven for that perfect crispy top, or let it cool slightly for creamier bites.

To store leftovers, let the mac and cheese cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture. It also freezes well for up to 2 months.

What to Serve With Rich Mac and Cheese?

Crispy Fried Chicken

The crunchy skin and juicy interior make fried chicken the perfect main for this creamy side.

Garlic Butter Shrimp

A lighter protein option that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cheese.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their slightly bitter char adds balance to the rich creaminess of the pasta.

Green Salad with Vinaigrette

A crisp salad cuts through the indulgence and freshens up the plate.

Sweet Cornbread Muffins

Sweet and savory heaven when served alongside a warm spoonful of mac.

BBQ Ribs

Sticky, smoky ribs and creamy mac is a southern comfort food dream.

Tomato Basil Soup

This warm, acidic pairing is ideal when you want a cozy meal.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If this Rich Mac and Cheese hits the spot, you’ll fall in love with these other pasta favorites:

Try the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for something cheesy and fun.
Craving seafood? The Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna brings bold flavor in layers.
For a rustic and hearty vibe, this Creamy Beef and Shells is your go-to.
Need something a little wild? The Buffalo Chicken Lasagna delivers on spice and cheese.
Keep it classic with a twist using the Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells.

Save This Pin 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 go extra on the cheese? Maybe added bacon or hot sauce?

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

Explore beautifully curated comfort food classics and indulgent pasta dishes on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your next crave-worthy bite.

Rich Mac and Cheese

Author: Nora
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food: Rich Mac and Cheese. This dish blends sharp cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Gruyère into a silky, creamy sauce that wraps around every piece of elbow macaroni. Baked to perfection with a crispy golden panko topping, it’s an easy dinner idea or indulgent side dish that everyone will love. Whether you need a cozy weeknight meal, a dish to impress guests, or hearty food ideas for the holidays, this rich, oven-baked mac and cheese delivers on all fronts. Ideal for quick comfort meals, satisfying family dinners, or your go-to crowd-pleasing potluck recipe.