Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese – Rich, Cheesy & Irresistible

Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe

Gordon Ramsay’s Creamy Mac and Cheese is a decadent, rich, and ultra-cheesy dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of mustard, this mac and cheese delivers depth of flavor and ultimate creaminess, making it the perfect comfort food.

What is Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese?

Gordon Ramsay’s Creamy Mac and Cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic American dish, featuring al dente macaroni tossed in a silky, flavorful cheese sauce. The sauce is made from a roux-based béchamel, enriched with butter, milk, and a mix of cheeses, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture in every bite.

Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe
Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese

Popular Gordon Ramsay Recipes

Why You’ll Love Gordon Ramsay’s Creamy Mac and Cheese

  • Ultra-creamy texture – The perfect balance of milk, butter, and cheese.
  • Rich and flavorful – Uses sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard for depth.
  • Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
  • Customizable – It can be baked for a crispy topping or kept creamy.
  • Family-friendly – A crowd-pleasing favorite loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Needed for Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional, for depth)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Topping (Optional):

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the pasta – In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook macaroni 1 minute less than package instructions (it will finish cooking in the sauce). Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

  1. Prepare the roux – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  2. Add the milk and cream – Slowly whisk in warm milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Season the sauce – Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika for flavor.
  4. Melt the cheese – Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Mix with pasta – Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
  2. Serve creamy – Enjoy as a stovetop mac and cheese, or continue with the baked version below.

Optional Baked Mac and Cheese:

  1. Preheat the oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the topping – Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan.
  3. Assemble and bake – Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture, and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.
Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese recipe
Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese

Best Sides to Serve with Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese

  • Garlic butter broccoli – A fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich cheese.
  • Grilled chicken or steak – Adds protein for a complete meal.
  • Crispy bacon crumbles – A smoky, crunchy topping.
  • Tomato basil salad – A light and refreshing side.
  • Buttery dinner rolls – Perfect for scooping up every last bite.

Pro Tips for the Best Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese

  • Use freshly grated cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly undercooking it prevents mushy mac and cheese.
  • Warm the milk before adding – This prevents lumps and creates a smoother sauce.
  • Add a splash of hot sauce – Enhances the flavor without making it too spicy.
  • Mix different cheeses – Try Gouda, mozzarella, or Gruyère for variety.

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese

  • Make it spicy – Add chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
  • Try a smoky version – Use smoked cheddar or add crumbled bacon.
  • Make it extra creamy – Stir in cream cheese for a silkier texture.
  • Use gluten-free pasta – Swap traditional pasta for a gluten-free alternative.
  • Add truffle oil – A drizzle of truffle oil adds a gourmet touch.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese

  • Store in an airtight container – Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat on the stove for best results – Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating over low heat.
  • Avoid microwaving – It can cause the cheese sauce to separate.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months – Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

How do you keep mac and cheese creamy?

To keep mac and cheese creamy, use a mix of whole milk and heavy cream in the sauce, and add a little extra butter or cheese when reheating. Avoid overbaking, as it can dry out the dish.

What cheeses work best for mac and cheese?

A combination of sharp cheddar for flavor, Gruyère or Parmesan for depth, and mozzarella or Gouda for creaminess creates the best texture and taste.

Can you make mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the mac and cheese, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

How do you prevent mac and cheese from being grainy?

To avoid grainy sauce, melt the cheese over low heat and use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that affect smoothness.

Final Thoughts

Gordon Ramsay’s Creamy Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Whether you enjoy it stovetop-style or baked with a crispy topping, this dish delivers irresistible flavor and texture. Try it today and experience mac and cheese at its finest!

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Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac and Cheese – Rich, Cheesy & Irresistible

Gordon Ramsay’s Creamy Mac and Cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic American dish, featuring al dente macaroni tossed in a silky, flavorful cheese sauce. The sauce is made from a roux-based béchamel, enriched with butter, milk, and a mix of cheeses, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture in every bite.

  • Author: Ekani Ella
  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional, for depth)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Topping (Optional):

  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the pasta – In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook macaroni for 1 minute less than the package instructions (it will finish cooking in the sauce). Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

  1. Prepare the roux – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  2. Add the milk and cream – Slowly whisk in warm milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Season the sauce – Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika for flavor.
  4. Melt the cheese – Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Mix with pasta – Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
  2. Serve creamy – Enjoy as a stovetop mac and cheese, or continue with the baked version below.

Optional Baked Mac and Cheese:

  1. Preheat the oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the topping – Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan.
  3. Assemble and bake – Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture, and bake for 15 minutes until golden brown.

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