Picture a steaming bowl of white cheddar mac and cheese, its creamy goodness wafting up to greet you.
It’s the ultimate comfort food, effortlessly easy to whip up, and perfect for any cozy night in.
As the macaroni soaks up the rich, cheesy sauce, magic happens, turning simple ingredients into an indulgent delight.
Let’s bring this dish to life and savor every comforting bite together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 whisk
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 colander
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 baking dish (optional)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time for making White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preparation (10 minutes)
- Measure out ingredients: 8 ounces elbow macaroni, 2 cups whole milk, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional).
- Set up equipment: large pot, medium saucepan, whisk, wooden spoon, colander, measuring cup, measuring spoon set, baking dish (if using).
- Cooking (20 minutes)
- 0-8 minutes: Boil water in a large pot.
- 8-10 minutes: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
- 11-12 minutes: Drain the macaroni using a colander and set aside.
- 13-14 minutes: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- 14-15 minutes: Add flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously to form a roux.
- 15-17 minutes: Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- 17-18 minutes: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- 18-19 minutes: Stir in the white cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- 19-20 minutes: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the saucepan.
- Final Steps (5 minutes)
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish if desired and top with breadcrumbs.
- If baking for a crispy top, preheat the oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10 minutes (optional).
- Resting Time (5 minutes)
- Allow the mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Boil water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the macaroni using a colander and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously to form a roux.
Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking until smooth and thickened.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Stir in the white cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the saucepan.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish if desired and top with breadcrumbs.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes for a crispy top, or serve immediately.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Broccoli: A side of steamed broccoli adds a healthy green element and balances the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a crunchy and flavorful complement to the creamy pasta.
- Grilled Chicken: Add some protein with sliced grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette enhances the overall meal with freshness.
- Roasted Tomatoes: Juicy roasted tomatoes provide a sweet and savory contrast to the cheesy dish.
Storage
Store leftover White Cheddar Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding milk if needed.
Freezing
To freeze white cheddar mac and cheese, let it cool completely.
Portion into airtight containers and label with the date.
Reheat thoroughly, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat White Cheddar Mac and Cheese gently in the oven at 350°F.
Cover with foil until warmed through.
Stir occasionally for even heating.
Final Thoughts
White cheddar mac and cheese is a delightful dish that offers a creamy and cheesy experience.
With its straightforward preparation and rich flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal.
After making this dish a few times, you may want to experiment with different cheese blends or toppings to suit your taste.
Whether you enjoy it straight from the stovetop or with a crispy baked top, this classic comfort food is perfect for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
You can absolutely use gluten-free pasta for this recipe. Make certain you cook it according to package instructions for ideal texture. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative to maintain the sauce’s consistency and thickness.
What Is the Nutritional Information for One Serving?
To calculate nutritional information, you’ll need ingredient labels to sum calories, carbs, fats, and proteins. Typically, a serving includes 400-600 calories, with high carbs and fats. Precise values depend on specific brands and ingredient quantities.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian-Friendly?
Make certain your dish is vegetarian-friendly by checking cheese labels for non-animal rennet. Opt for plant-based milk and butter substitutes. Customize seasonings and toppings, excluding meat-based ingredients. Taste and adjust flavors to achieve a balanced, satisfying result.
Are There Any Wine Pairings Recommended With This Dish?
Pair a white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. These wines complement the creamy texture and sharpness. Guarantee the wine has balanced acidity to cut through the richness. Alternatively, try a light-bodied red like Pinot Noir.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance and Reheat It Later?
You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. If baked, cover with foil in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 colander
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Baking dish optional
Ingredients
- 8 ounce elbow macaroni
- 2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs optional for topping
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni using a colander and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour to the melted butter, whisking continuously to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir in the white cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the saucepan.
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish if desired and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes for a crispy top, or serve immediately.
Notes
