Description
This white cheddar mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and bursting with cheesy goodness. Made with freshly grated white cheddar and a smooth, velvety sauce, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect as a main dish or a side, it’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying!
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Cheese Sauce:
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni, shells)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (or 2 cups milk + 2 cups heavy cream)
- 16 ounces white cheddar cheese, freshly grated (about 4 cups)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder (for depth)
- ½ cup grated parmesan (for extra cheesiness)
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits (for crunch)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and set aside (do not rinse).
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded white cheddar, stirring until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce.
- Stir gently to coat each piece of pasta in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to adjust consistency.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly ground black pepper or extra cheese.
- Pair with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or crispy bacon bits.
Notes
- For a baked version: Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
- For extra creaminess: Add an extra ½ cup of cheese just before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg