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White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

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This white cheddar mac and cheese is the ultimate creamy comfort food, featuring a silky cheese sauce made with real sharp white cheddar. Quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or shells (about 3 cups dry)
  • 3 cups (12 ounces) sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard (optional, but recommended)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup panko or regular bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions, minus 1 minute for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until foamy but not browned. Whisk in flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until pale and nutty-smelling.
  3. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking often, until thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
  4. Stir in dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
  5. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded white cheddar by small handfuls, whisking after each addition until fully melted and smooth.
  6. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold until evenly coated. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Optional: For a crunchy topping, preheat oven to 400°F. Mix bread crumbs with melted butter or olive oil, sprinkle over mac and cheese in a greased 2-quart baking dish. Bake 12-15 minutes until golden and bubbling, or broil 1-2 minutes for a quick finish.
  8. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy hot and creamy!

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese and add it gradually to the sauce over low heat. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For extra creaminess, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end. Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: white cheddar mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, comfort food, baked mac and cheese, kid friendly, weeknight dinner, pasta, cheese

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/white-cheddar-mac-and-cheese-recipe-best-easy-creamy-dinner/