Easiest Gordon Ramsay’s Mac And Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Gordon Ramsay’s Mac and Cheese is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic comfort food. With a rich cheddar cheese base, a hint of spice, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a crowd-pleasing side.

Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups whole milk
- ½ tablespoon mustard paste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a stockpot, warm the milk and add the macaroni. Cook until the macaroni reaches al dente.
- Step 2: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, mustard paste, and butter until well combined.
- Step 3: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the macaroni mixture and stir thoroughly until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
- Step 4: In a separate saucepan, melt some butter and toast the breadcrumbs until golden brown.
- Step 5: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy dish!
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of cream cheese with the cheddar.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or nuts.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer a milder dish.
Storage
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent the cheese from separating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese mixture in advance, store it in the fridge before baking, and then finish baking it right before serving.
What type of cheddar cheese works best?
A sharp or extra-sharp cheddar provides more flavor and richness, but you can use mild cheddar if preferred for a subtler taste.
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Easiest Gordon Ramsay’s Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Gordon Ramsay’s Mac and Cheese is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic comfort dish. With tender macaroni cooked precisely to al dente in warm milk, enriched with sharp cheddar, a hint of mustard paste and cayenne for subtle heat, and topped with golden toasted breadcrumbs baked to perfection, this recipe delivers a rich and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 Pound Macaroni
- 8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 2 Cups Cheddar, shredded
- 4 Cups Whole Milk
- ½ Tablespoon Mustard Paste
- 2 Teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Topping
- ½ Cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for toasting breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: In a stockpot, gently warm the whole milk over medium heat. Add the macaroni directly into the warm milk and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Combine Seasonings and Butter: Once the macaroni is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Immediately add kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, mustard paste, and butter to the macaroni mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors while the pasta is still hot, allowing the butter to melt completely.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese into the macaroni mixture, stirring until the cheese has fully melted and blended into the creamy base.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a separate saucepan, melt additional butter over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and toast them, stirring frequently, until they turn a golden brown and crisp.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Evenly sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the top. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) and bake for 10 minutes until the topping is crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your rich and cheesy Gordon Ramsay Mac and Cheese!
Notes
- Be sure to cook the macaroni until just al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
- Mustard paste adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor; do not skip it.
- Control the heat by adjusting the cayenne pepper to your taste.
- Use fresh shredded cheddar for the best melting quality and flavor.
- Toasting the breadcrumbs separately ensures a crunchy topping and prevents sogginess.
- The baking step is crucial to develop a golden crust and meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Gordon Ramsay, mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheddar, comfort food, creamy pasta, breadcrumb topping

