White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, embodying creamy textures and rich flavors in every bite. This easy-to-make dish features a gooey blend of sharp white cheddar cheese enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer for added texture. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or hosting friends, this indulgent recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy even the biggest cheese lovers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately four
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (about 8-10 minutes), then drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for about 1 minute until golden.
- Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 67mg
Keywords: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding garlic powder or mustard to the cheese sauce. You can mix in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like broccoli for added flair. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.