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.
- 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:
- 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:
- Prepare the roux – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Add the milk and cream – Slowly whisk in warm milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Season the sauce – Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika for flavor.
- Melt the cheese – Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Combine and Serve:
- Mix with pasta – Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Serve creamy – Enjoy as a stovetop mac and cheese, or continue with the baked version below.
Optional Baked Mac and Cheese:
- Preheat the oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the topping – Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan.
- 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.