White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm bowl of mac and cheese. But why settle for the usual when you can elevate this classic dish with sharp white cheddar? This White Cheddar Mac and Cheese brings a creamy, tangy flavor to the table, perfect for those who love the richness of traditional mac but want something a little more sophisticated.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a side for your next BBQ, or the ultimate crowd-pleaser at potlucks, this dish is bound to impress.

Tips for the Best White Cheddar Mac and Cheese:

1. Use High-Quality White Cheddar: The flavor of your dish largely depends on the cheese you use. Look for sharp or extra-sharp white cheddar for a more pronounced tang.
2. Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. For a creamy sauce, freshly grate the cheese.
3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Slightly undercooking your pasta (al dente) ensures it doesn’t become mushy when you bake it or stir it into the cheese sauce.
4. Thicken Your Sauce Slowly: When making your roux, take your time whisking the butter and flour, then slowly add the milk. This ensures a lump-free, smooth sauce.
5. Add a Crunchy Topping: A breadcrumb topping (panko works well!) adds a delightful crunch to balance the creamy texture of the dish.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp white cheddar, grated
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for the topping)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, but stop cooking 1-2 minutes early for a firm (al dente) texture. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until it turns slightly golden and no lumps remain.
3. Add milk and cream: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to ensure a smooth mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Add cheese: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the grated white cheddar. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. If desired, add garlic powder for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the noodles evenly.
6. Add the topping (optional): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, melt 2 tbsp of butter and mix with panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the mac and cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
7. Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Printable Recipe

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

This White Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe brings a creamy, tangy twist to classic comfort food with sharp cheddar, a crunchy panko topping, and a velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 people

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups elbow macaroni or pasta of your choice
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cups sharp white cheddar grated
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs optional topping
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter for the topping

Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, but stop cooking 1-2 minutes early for a firm (al dente) texture. Drain and set aside.
• Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes, until it turns slightly golden and no lumps remain.
• Add milk and cream: Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to ensure a smooth mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
• Add cheese: Lower the heat and slowly stir in the grated white cheddar. Keep stirring until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. If desired, add garlic powder for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the noodles evenly.
• Add the topping (optional): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, melt 2 tbsp of butter and mix with panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the mac and cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
• Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Keyword baked mac and cheese, reamy mac and cheese, white cheddar mac and cheese

Common Questions & Answers:

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shell pasta, cavatappi, penne, or any other short pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese in advance. After mixing the pasta and cheese sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping right before baking.

Q: How do I prevent the cheese from becoming gritty? A: Make sure to use freshly grated cheese and heat the sauce gently to prevent it from breaking. Also, avoid using low-fat milk or cheese, as the fat content is essential for a smooth, creamy sauce.

Q: Can I make this mac and cheese gluten-free? A: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.

Q: What can I add to customize the dish? A: You can easily jazz up this recipe by adding mix-ins like cooked bacon, caramelized onions, sautéed spinach, or even roasted vegetables. For an extra kick, try adding a bit of Dijon mustard or hot sauce to the cheese sauce!

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a modern take on a classic that offers a richer, tangier flavor. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy weeknight meal or impressing guests at your next gathering, this dish is versatile, easy to make, and endlessly customizable. Try it with your favorite toppings or mix-ins, and you’ll never go back to plain mac and cheese again!

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