The Creamiest White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe Ever

Creamy, comforting white cheddar mac and cheese delivers pure culinary bliss in every single bite.

cheese lovers adore this classic dish that combines rich, smooth textures with deep, complex flavors.

Sharp white cheddar melts into a luxurious sauce that coats each pasta curve perfectly.

The secret lies in selecting high-quality cheeses and creating a silky base that speaks to comfort food enthusiasts.

Pasta shells or elbow macaroni work wonderfully in absorbing the decadent cheese mixture.

Each forkful promises a warm, indulgent experience that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

This recipe will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese: Ultimate Creamy Comfort

• Dive into a creamy, cheesy delight that hugs your taste buds with warm, nostalgic flavors perfect for any mood.
• Master this recipe with easy-to-follow steps that require minimal kitchen skills, making it ideal for beginners and busy home cooks.
• Create a crowd-pleasing dish that children and adults will love, transforming dinnertime into a delicious family celebration.
• Prepare a satisfying meal in under half an hour, solving the eternal question of what to cook when time is short and hunger is high.

Creamy Components In Every Mac And Cheese Bite

• Pasta Shells: Large pasta shapes that hold the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese that creates a rich, smooth sauce base.
• Milk: Provides the creamy liquid foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce base.

• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the mac and cheese.

• Freshly Cracked Pepper: Adds a slight kick and visual garnish to the finished dish.

Mac and Cheese Tools For Silky, Smooth Results

• Large Pot: Essential for cooking pasta and creating the creamy cheese sauce, with plenty of room for stirring.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending flour, creating smooth sauce, and preventing lumps during cooking.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta quickly and efficiently after cooking.
• Cheese Grater: Ideal for shredding fresh white cheddar cheese for the richest flavor.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing pasta with cheese sauce and ensuring even coating.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements and consistent results.

How To Cook Ultra-Creamy White Cheddar Mac

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a medium or large pot with water and bring to a boil.

Add pasta shells and cook according to package instructions.

Once tender, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Return the empty pot to the stove and melt butter over low heat.

• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk ingredients together, cooking on low heat until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to bubble slightly, about 1-2 minutes.

Keep whisking to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 3: Build Creamy Sauce

Increase heat to medium and slowly pour in milk.

Whisk continuously for 3-5 minutes until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken.

The mixture should coat the back of a spoon smoothly.

Step 4: Melt Cheese

Remove pot from heat and add shredded white cheddar cheese.

Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a velvety smooth sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Pour the drained pasta shells back into the pot with the cheese sauce.

Stir gently to ensure every shell is generously coated with the creamy white cheddar sauce.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the mac and cheese to serving dishes.

Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper for an extra kick of flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and incredibly creamy.

Tips For Rich, Cheesy Sauce Without Clumping

• Continuously whisk the flour mixture to ensure a smooth, velvety texture without any clumps.
• Select a high-quality white cheddar for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Adjust milk quantity to achieve your desired sauce thickness – less milk for a thicker sauce, more for a lighter consistency.
• Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika to enhance the cheese sauce's complexity.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.

White Cheddar Mac Variations For Cheese Lovers

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly mac and cheese that maintains creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Protein Power Bowl: Swap pasta shells with quinoa or cauliflower rice, then mix in grilled chicken or crispy tofu for a high-protein alternative that keeps the cheesy goodness.
• Veggie Loaded Version: Incorporate roasted broccoli, spinach, or diced bell peppers directly into the cheese sauce for extra nutrition and color without compromising the classic creamy taste.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, paprika, and a dash of cayenne to transform the white cheddar sauce into a zesty, southwestern-inspired mac and cheese with a gentle kick.

Cozy Ways To Serve Mac And Cheese Family-Style

• Crowd-Pleasing Party Platter: Arrange mac and cheese in a large serving dish with small garnish bowls of crispy bacon bits, chopped chives, and extra cheese for guests to customize their portions.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this creamy mac and cheese with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness and add nutritional variety to the meal.
• Gourmet Upgrade Option: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed garlic crackers on top for a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts with the smooth, velvety cheese sauce.
• Kid-Friendly Lunch Hack: Pack leftovers in a thermos for school lunches or transform the dish into mac and cheese cups by baking in a muffin tin for portable, fun eating.

Storing Mac And Cheese So It Stays Creamy

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool mac and cheese completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch space at top. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add 1-2 tablespoons milk to restore creamy texture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of milk, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Gently restore sauce's smooth consistency by slowly incorporating liquid while heating.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best in this mac and cheese recipe?

White cheddar is ideal for this recipe, offering a sharp, tangy flavor that melts smoothly. If unavailable, you can substitute with regular cheddar or a mild white cheese like monterey jack.

• Can I make this mac and cheese gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Use gluten-free pasta shells to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free.

• How can I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Ensure you remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and stir gently until melted. Use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect sauce texture.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy white cheddar mac and cheese blends sharp cheese with comforting pasta for a luxurious meal. Carefully selected ingredients and precise techniques guarantee a rich, indulgent dish you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) medium pasta shells (measured uncooked)
• 3 cups (340 g) shredded white cheddar cheese
• 2 cups (473 ml) whole milk

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 4 tablespoons (57 g) salted butter
• 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Garnish:

• Fresh black pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta shells in a pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Return the empty pot to the stove, reducing heat to low. Melt butter completely, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
3. Sprinkle flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into melted butter. Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and forms a roux without developing lumps.
4. Gradually increase heat to medium, slowly incorporating milk while continuously whisking to prevent scorching.
5. Maintain medium heat, stirring constantly for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, coating the back of a spoon.
6. Remove pot from heat, immediately adding white cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, smooth sauce.
7. Fold drained pasta shells into the cheese sauce, ensuring every shell is evenly coated and heated through.
8. Transfer to serving dishes, garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta al dente for a slightly firm texture that prevents mushiness when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Use freshly grated white cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded to ensure smoother melting and better flavor intensity.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta shells.
• Add extra depth by incorporating roasted garlic or caramelized onions into the cheese sauce for a more complex flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg