White Cheddar Mac and Cheese: A Creamy Delight
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a creamy and indulgent dish that combines the rich flavors of white cheddar cheese with pasta, creating a comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (elbows, shells, or cavatappi)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ cups whole milk (warm)
- 2 cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp paprika, or a pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually pour in warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to stir until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the shredded white cheddar until fully melted and smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for enhanced flavor.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until evenly coated. For a baked version, transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results. Warm the milk before adding it to the roux to avoid lumps.