If you’re a fan of bold flavors, creamy textures, and soulful comfort food, then the Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe is exactly what your table needs.
Inspired by Green Bay Packers legend Leroy Butler, this dish brings a championship-worthy twist to a beloved classic.
Packed with a rich blend of cheeses, buttery bread cru Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipes, and just the right touch of spice, it’s the kind of meal that turns any gathering into a celebration.
Whether you’re prepping for game day, a family dinner, or just craving some next-level mac and cheese, this recipe will hit the spot.
With a reputation for bringing people together—much like Leroy did on the field—this dish reflects warmth, flavor, and excellence.
Perfect for cheese lovers and football fans alike, the Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe delivers comfort with a legacy.
When I First Tried the Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe
When I first tried the Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe at a friend’s tailgate party, I was blown away.
The layers of flavor, the perfect cheese pull, and the crispy topping made it unforgettable.
It instantly became my go-to comfort food, and now it’s a regular favorite in my kitchen.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven or stovetop broiler
Ingredients List
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe – Step by Step Preparation
Step 1:
Boil the Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2:
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
Step 3:
Add the Cheeses: Lower heat and stir in cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère until fully melted. Season with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
Step 4:
Combine with Pasta: Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni. Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 5:
Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko, olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
Step 6:
Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Tips for Success
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – It melts better and avoids the graininess of pre-shredded varieties.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Al dente is key to prevent mushy texture after baking.
- Let the Roux Cook – Give it a minute or two to remove any raw flour taste.
- Taste Before Baking – Adjust seasoning after mixing the cheese sauce with the pasta.
- Broil for Extra Crunch – Want an even crispier top? Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Variations
- Add Bacon – Crumbled crispy bacon adds smoky depth.
- Spicy Kick – Mix in diced jalapeños or hot sauce for heat.
- Southern-Style – Add a splash of buttermilk and more cheddar.
- Vegetarian-Friendly – Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
- Protein Boost – Stir in shredded chicken or smoked sausage for a heartier meal.
Conclusion
The Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe isn’t just another side dish—it’s a standout main course that pays homage to a legend with every bite.
Rich, flavorful, and comforting, it’s the perfect way to bring a bit of Hall of Fame magic to your kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
FAQs
Can I freeze the Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe?
Yes, the Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
How many servings does the Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe make?
The standard Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings.
Can I use gluten-free ingredients in the Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe?
Definitely! Use gluten-free elbow pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Also, check that your panko breadcrumbs and cheeses are certified gluten-free.

Leroy Butler Mac And Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven or stovetop broiler
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux. Slowly add milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Add the Cheeses: Lower heat and stir in cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère until fully melted. Season with paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Combine with Pasta: Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni. Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix panko, olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – It melts better and avoids the graininess of pre-shredded varieties.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Al dente is key to prevent mushy texture after baking.
- Let the Roux Cook – Give it a minute or two to remove any raw flour taste.
- Taste Before Baking – Adjust seasoning after mixing the cheese sauce with the pasta.
- Broil for Extra Crunch – Want an even crispier top? Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
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