This Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe is a rich and creamy recipe, which is made with sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese. It’s a classic comfort food, ready in about 35 minutes.
Jump to RecipeGordon Ramsay Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe Ingredients
- 450g macaroni pasta
- 56g unsalted butter
- 30g all-purpose flour
- 480ml whole milk
- 240ml heavy cream
- 450g grated cheese (a mix of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan is recommended)
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- Salt + pepper to taste
- ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
How To Make Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni pasta until just al dente (still has a slight bite). Drain well.
- Make the Roux: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is your roux.
- Create the Béchamel Sauce: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Continue to stir or whisk until the sauce is smooth and has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the sauce from the heat. Gradually stir in the grated cheeses until they have completely melted. Add the mustard powder, optional nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Bake: Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat. Pour the mixture into a baking dish. If using, top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20–25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Recipe Tips
- What’s the best cheese combination? Using a blend of cheeses is key for a complex, rich flavor. Sharp cheddar provides a classic tangy base, Gruyère adds a nutty, creamy, and excellent melting quality, and a little Parmesan adds a salty, savory kick.
- How do you prevent mushy pasta? Don’t overcook the macaroni initially. It should be cooked just to al dente because it will continue to cook in the hot cheese sauce while it bakes.
- How do you keep the cheese sauce smooth? To avoid lumps, stir the sauce constantly, especially when making the roux and when adding the milk and cream. Removing the sauce from the heat before stirring in the cheese also prevents it from becoming grainy or splitting.
- What does nutmeg do for the dish? A small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg is a classic addition to a béchamel sauce. It adds a subtle warmth and aromatic depth that enhances the creamy, cheesy flavors.
What To Serve With Mac And Cheese
This rich and creamy dish is a star on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad with a sharp vinaigrette to cut the richness
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Pulled pork or BBQ chicken
- Garlic bread
How To Store Mac And Cheese
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in an oven-safe dish in the oven. You may want to add a splash of milk when reheating to restore some of the creaminess.
Mac And Cheese Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the mac and cheese completely (without the breadcrumbs), let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add the breadcrumbs and increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Why did my cheese sauce turn out grainy?
This usually happens if the sauce is too hot when the cheese is added. Always take the béchamel sauce off the heat before you start stirring in the cheese. Adding the cheese gradually, a handful at a time, also helps it melt smoothly.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely. While macaroni is classic, any short pasta shape with ridges or tubes, like shells, rotini, or penne, will work wonderfully as they hold the creamy sauce well.
Gordon Ramsay Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes25
minutes500
kcalThe ultimate comfort food: a rich and creamy baked mac and cheese made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan, and topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
450g macaroni pasta
56g unsalted butter
30g all-purpose flour
480ml whole milk
240ml heavy cream
450g grated cheese (sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan mix)
1 tsp mustard powder
Salt, pepper, and ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
Breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente; drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheeses, mustard powder, and seasonings.
- Combine the sauce with the cooked pasta and pour into a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Using a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar for flavor and Gruyère for creaminess yields the best results.
- Cook the pasta to al dente, as it will continue to soften when baked in the sauce.
- To ensure a smooth sauce, stir it constantly and add the cheese off the heat.
- A crispy breadcrumb topping provides a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy pasta.