Million Dollar Mac and Cheese Casserole
This ultra-creamy Million Dollar Macaroni and Cheese Casserole is layered with provolone, sour cream, and a golden Parmesan topping. It’s the ultimate cheesy comfort food always a hit at holidays, potlucks, or family dinners.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 lb cellentani pasta (or rigatoni, penne, or macaroni)
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
- 1 tsp each: onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 6–8 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Panko Topping
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. - Preheat Oven
Heat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Make Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a skillet. Whisk in flour; cook 2 minutes. Reduce heat, whisk in milk gradually. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with evaporated milk, then whisk into skillet. Stir in Dijon mustard, bouillon, and seasonings. - Thicken & Add Cheese
Bring to a boil, then simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar until melted. Toss pasta in sauce. - Layer Casserole
Pour half the pasta mixture into dish. Top with provolone slices, spread sour cream over, then add remaining pasta. Sprinkle Parmesan evenly on top. - Optional Topping
Toast panko in butter and olive oil until golden. Sprinkle over pasta. - Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and provolone has melted. If not using panko, broil briefly until Parmesan is golden. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips
- Slightly undercook pasta to prevent mushiness.
- Swap half the sour cream with cream cheese for extra richness.
- Reheat leftovers covered with foil at 325°F with a splash of milk for best texture.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 plate | 642 | 25g | 44g | 38g | 2g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary depending on ingredients used. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
