If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in a cozy, cheesy hug, this Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. With sharp white cheddar melting into a velvety sauce and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni to soak it all up, this dish is a spectacular comfort food classic that balances creamy richness with a hint of tang. It’s a foolproof recipe that turns simple, everyday ingredients into a soul-satisfying meal you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients here are straightforward but play essential roles in achieving that luscious texture and unforgettable flavor. Each one builds the creamy, cheesy magic you expect from a top-notch mac and cheese.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: The perfect shape for holding onto every bit of cheese sauce.
- 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese: Sharpness and creaminess combined for that rich, classic flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds smoothness and a subtle buttery undertone.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: The base for your roux, creating that thick, silky sauce.
- 2 cups whole milk: Provides creaminess and helps meld all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Elevates all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional): Brightens up the flavor with a subtle tang.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Gives a hint of savory complexity without overpowering.
How to Make Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the elbow macaroni until just al dente is key—this means it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain it well and set it aside while you prepare the glorious cheese sauce.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s soft and bubbly, then whisk in the flour. Cooking this mixture for a couple of minutes forms the base of your sauce and removes any raw flour taste. The roux is what will give your sauce its rich, velvety body.
Step 3: Add the Milk
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking non-stop. Patience here is crucial—this helps create a smooth texture without lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon with that luscious creaminess you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheese
Turn the heat down to low before gradually stirring in the shredded sharp white cheddar cheese. Add it in small handfuls to ensure it melts evenly, transforming your sauce into a rich, cheesy masterpiece. Stir lovingly; you want every bit to be smooth and gooey.
Step 5: Season It Up
Now that your cheese sauce is perfectly creamy, season it with salt and black pepper. If you like, add ground mustard and garlic powder for an extra layer of flavor. These small touches bring out the best in your mac and cheese without stealing the spotlight.
Step 6: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Gently fold your cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every noodle is evenly coated with that irresistible creaminess. This step is where the magic happens, turning simple pasta into a decadent dish.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Serve your Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe piping hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra shredded cheese if you like. This dish shines best fresh, soaking in the warm gooeyness that makes it unforgettable.
How to Serve Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even a dusting of smoked paprika can elevate the look and taste. These add pops of freshness and color, turning your creamy mac and cheese into something truly inviting and pretty on the plate.
Side Dishes
Because this mac and cheese is wonderfully rich, pairing it with crisp, light sides like a simple green salad or roasted vegetables helps balance the meal. Crispy bacon or caramelized onions on top are also fantastic if you’re in the mood for something indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it in individual ramekins topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust for an elegant touch. Or stuff it into bell peppers or portobello mushrooms as a fun twist. No matter how you present it, this Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe is a crowd pleaser with endless options!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, so leftovers can be just as delightful as fresh. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing.
Freezing
You can freeze this mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, keeping some extra cheese sauce aside to mix in when reheating, which helps maintain that creamy texture after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or cream while warming helps revive that creamy consistency. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy.
FAQs
Can I use other kinds of cheese instead of sharp white cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp white cheddar is the star of this recipe, you can mix in cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for different flavors and textures. Just stick to good melting cheeses for the best results.
What if I don’t have elbow macaroni? Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, any small pasta like shells, rotini, or penne works beautifully. The shape just needs to hold onto the cheesy sauce well, so feel free to use what you have on hand.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy milk with unsweetened plant-based milks like oat or almond and use vegan butter and cheeses. The texture may vary slightly, but it can still be delicious and creamy.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved easily?
Definitely! The recipe scales well both up and down. Just keep an eye on cooking times and seasoning adjustments to make sure every batch is just right.
What’s the trick to getting the cheese sauce perfectly smooth?
Whisking constantly when adding milk to the roux and melting cheese over low heat are key. Also, adding cheese gradually lets it melt evenly without becoming grainy or clumpy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Easy to make, so cheesy and comforting, it’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without stress. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this classic comfort food—soon it will be one of your all-time favorites too!
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Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a comforting and classic dish featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from sharp white cheddar cheese. Perfectly seasoned and enhanced with optional hints of ground mustard and garlic powder, this recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy experience that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for a family meal or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
- Make roux: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add milk and thicken: Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, approximately 5 to 7 minutes.
- Melt cheese: Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded sharp white cheddar cheese a handful at a time until completely melted and smooth.
- Season sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and if desired, ground mustard and garlic powder. Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Stir the cooked elbow macaroni into the cheese sauce until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy mixture.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese warm. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or additional shredded cheese for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- To achieve a smoother cheese sauce, grate your own cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties which may contain additives.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted butter or older cheeses which can be saltier.
- For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of white wine to the sauce while cooking.
- This dish can easily be doubled to serve more people or saved as leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
