Velvety White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe That’s Irresistible

Creamy white cheddar mac and cheese brings comfort to your dinner table like a warm hug.

Cheese lovers understand the magic of melted goodness coating perfectly cooked pasta.

Sharp white cheddar creates an irresistible depth of flavor that makes ordinary meals extraordinary.

Rich and velvety textures promise a delightful culinary adventure for anyone seeking deliciousness.

Unexpected ingredients turn this classic dish into something memorable and exciting.

Each bite promises pure satisfaction and homemade happiness.

You will want to savor every single delectable spoonful of this incredible recipe.

Ingredients You Need for White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce, whole wheat or regular options work well.

• White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese providing rich, creamy flavor base, sharp varieties offer more intense taste.

• Butter: Rich foundation for creating smooth roux, unsalted preferred for better salt control.
• All-Purpose Flour: Essential thickening agent for creating silky cheese sauce texture.
• Whole Milk: Creamy liquid base providing smooth consistency, whole milk gives richer result.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and depth to cheese sauce.

• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle background flavor without fresh garlic texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances cheese flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity to cheese sauce.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional spice for those wanting extra warmth and kick.

How to Make White Cheddar Mac and Cheese from Scratch

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook until tender but still firm. Carefully drain pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Create Roux Base

• Butter

Whisk flour into melted butter, stirring continuously. Cook the mixture until it turns a light golden color and develops a slightly nutty aroma. Keep stirring to prevent burning.

Step 3: Build Creamy Sauce

• Warm milk
• Heavy cream

Whisk constantly to blend smoothly and prevent any lumps from forming. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Melt Cheese Goodness

• White cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper

Stir until cheese completely melts and creates a silky, luxurious sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets a generous coating. Warm for an additional minute to marry the flavors. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips That Improve White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Stir macaroni immediately after draining to stop it from sticking together and ensure even cheese coating.
• Create Silky Sauce: Warm milk and cream before adding to roux to prevent lumps and achieve a smoother, more consistent cheese sauce.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use aged white cheddar for a sharper taste, or mix in small amounts of parmesan or gruyère for complex flavor profile.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper carefully; start with a pinch and add gradually to match your heat preference without overwhelming the dish.
• Reheat with Care: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk to restore sauce's creamy texture and prevent drying out.

Keep White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Creamy Later

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
• Stir in a little milk or cream while reheating to maintain the original creamy texture and prevent the pasta from becoming tough or grainy.

Side Ideas for White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy mac and cheese, refreshing your palate between bites.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted almonds to provide a tangy, fresh contrast against the heavy cheese sauce.
• Add sliced grilled chicken seasoned with rosemary and thyme to transform the mac and cheese into a complete, protein-packed meal that feels balanced and satisfying.
• Top the dish with quick-pickled red onions or diced cornichons to introduce bright, acidic notes that cut through the richness and add unexpected texture.

New Versions of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

• Protein-Packed Version: Replace some pasta with cooked chicken or ground turkey, adding extra protein for a more filling meal. Incorporate diced grilled chicken or lean ground meat during the final mixing stage.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux to maintain the same creamy texture.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to increase nutritional value. Chop vegetables into small pieces and fold them into the mac and cheese just before serving for added color and nutrients.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles. Use the same cheese sauce recipe but replace traditional pasta with low-carb vegetable alternatives for a lighter dish.

FAQ Section for White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

• Why use white cheddar for mac and cheese?

White cheddar offers a sharper, more tangy flavor compared to yellow cheddar. It provides a more sophisticated taste profile and melts beautifully, creating a creamy and rich sauce without the orange color.

• Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of block cheese?

Freshly grated block cheese melts more smoothly and prevents clumping. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy and less creamy. Always grate your own cheese for the best texture.

• How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Grate cheese yourself, use low heat when melting, and add cheese gradually while stirring constantly. Remove the pot from direct heat when incorporating cheese to maintain a smooth, silky consistency.

• What can I do if my cheese sauce is too thick or thin?

For a thicker sauce, simmer longer or add more cheese. For a thinner sauce, whisk in a little warm milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency. Always adjust gradually.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese That Brings Bold Flavor

• Quick Cheesy Delight crafted in under 30 minutes.
• Perfect for beginner cooks with simple step-by-step instructions that guarantee creamy, delicious results every single time.
• Easily adaptable recipe allows adding crispy bacon, green onions, or breadcrumbs to elevate the classic mac and cheese experience.
• Satisfies both kids and adults with its rich, smooth white cheddar sauce and minimal ingredients that create maximum flavor.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy white cheddar mac and cheese delivers comfort on a plate, blending sharp tangy cheese with smooth pasta perfection. Homemade goodness brings warmth and satisfaction right to your fork, making you crave each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• 2 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup heavy cream

Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Fill a generously sized pot with water and sprinkle salt, bringing it to a vigorous boil. Submerge macaroni and cook until tender yet firm, then carefully drain and reserve.
2. Return the empty pot to medium heat, introducing butter which will melt smoothly. Incorporate flour, whisking continuously until the mixture transforms into a delicate golden roux with subtle bubbling edges.
3. Gradually stream warm milk and cream into the roux, maintaining constant whisking to prevent clumping. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, developing a luxurious, velvety consistency.
4. Reduce heat to low and introduce white cheddar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir persistently until cheese dissolves completely, creating a silky, uniform sauce with rich, complex flavors.
5. Reunite the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, gently folding to ensure each pasta piece becomes lavishly coated. Warm briefly to meld flavors and achieve a harmonious, creamy texture ready for serving.

Notes

• Choose sharp white cheddar for a more intense, bold flavor that elevates the classic mac and cheese experience.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free pasta.
• Create a lighter version by using low-fat milk and reducing the amount of butter while maintaining the creamy texture.
• Add crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables to introduce extra layers of flavor and nutritional value.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg