Million Dollar Big Game Mac & Cheese
No crumbs. No meat. No regrets.
There are side dishes… and then there are dishes that steal the entire show.
This Million Dollar Big Game Mac & Cheese was built to do exactly that. It’s rich, unapologetically cheesy, and the kind of comfort food that makes people stop mid-conversation and ask, “Wait… who made this?”
No breadcrumbs. No filler. Just layers of deep, indulgent cheese flavor wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta.
This isn’t weeknight mac.
This is big-game, centerpiece, flex-on-your-friends mac.
What Makes It Special
Most mac & cheese recipes play it safe. This one does not.
We’re talking:
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Jarlsberg for that nutty, buttery melt
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Gruyère for depth and sophistication
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Sharp white cheddar for bite
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Fontina for that silky, luxurious stretch
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Cream cheese and sour cream to push it firmly into ridiculously creamy territory
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And a generous hit of smoked paprika that gives subtle smoke without overpowering the cheese
Every bite is bold, velvety, and rich without being greasy. It’s indulgent—but balanced. Heavy—but not cloying. The kind of dish that disappears faster than you planned.
Built for the Big Game
This mac & cheese is made for:
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Game day spreads where everything else is “just okay”
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Friends who hover around the stove pretending not to go back for thirds
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That moment when someone scrapes the pan and pretends it’s for “cleanup”
It holds beautifully on warm, reheats like a dream, and pairs effortlessly with cold beer, loud TVs, and competitive snacking.
And best of all?
No crunchy topping stealing attention from what actually matters.
The Real Secret
The secret isn’t one cheese—it’s how they work together. Adding the cheese in stages, keeping the heat gentle, and seasoning confidently is what turns this from “good mac” into legendary mac.
If your sauce doesn’t make you say “oh wow” before the pasta even goes in, keep adjusting. This dish rewards confidence.
🧾 Ingredients (serves 8–10 very happily)
Pasta
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1 lb cavatappi or elbow macaroni
(cavatappi grabs sauce like a champ)
Cheese Dream Team (about 2½–3 lbs total)
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8 oz Jarlsberg, shredded
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8 oz sharp white cheddar, shredded
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6 oz Gruyère, shredded
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4 oz Fontina, shredded
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4 oz cream cheese, cubed & softened
Creamy Base
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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3 cups whole milk (warm)
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1 cup heavy cream
Flavor Boosters
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1 cup full-fat sour cream
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2 tsp smoked paprika (don’t be shy)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp mustard powder
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½ tsp white pepper
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¾–1 tsp kosher salt (to taste)
Optional but 🔥
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Pinch of cayenne (just enough to wake it up)
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Extra smoked paprika for the top
👩🍳 How to Make It
1️⃣ Pasta First
Cook pasta in well-salted water until just barely al dente.
Drain and set aside. (It’ll finish cooking in the sauce.)
2️⃣ Build the Luxe Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat:
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Melt butter
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Whisk in flour → cook 1 minute (no browning)
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Slowly whisk in warm milk, then cream
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Simmer until thick enough to coat a spoon (3–4 min)
Lower heat.
3️⃣ Cheese Time (The Important Part)
Add cheeses in stages, stirring until smooth:
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Cream cheese
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Jarlsberg
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Gruyère
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Fontina
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White cheddar
Stir in:
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Sour cream
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Smoked paprika
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Garlic powder, onion powder
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Mustard powder
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White pepper, salt
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Cayenne (if using)
Taste. Adjust salt and paprika.
This sauce should make you say “oh damn.”
4️⃣ Combine & Bake
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Fold pasta into sauce
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Pour into buttered 9×13 baking dish or cast iron skillet
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Smooth top, sprinkle a little smoked paprika
Bake uncovered at 375°F for 20–25 minutes
Just until bubbly and lightly bronzed on top.
🔥 Want extra drama? Broil for 2 minutes at the end.
5️⃣ Rest (Yes, Really)
Let it sit 10 minutes before serving.
Sauce thickens, flavors bloom, socks officially removed.
🏈 Big Game Pro Tips
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Holds perfectly on warm for parties
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Reheats like a dream with a splash of milk
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Pairs dangerously well with cold beer and loud cheering
This Million Dollar Big Game Mac & Cheese isn’t trying to be fancy—it’s trying to be unforgettable.
It’s the dish people ask about the next day.
The one that “accidentally” becomes tradition.
The reason someone brings containers to your house just in case.
Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your game-day lineup.
If you try it, don’t be surprised when the main dish takes a back seat.
This mac plays offense. 🧀🔥