White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Creamy, mouthwatering, and just a touch spicy, this white cheddar mac and cheese recipe is the next mac and cheese fantasy dish. Melt-in-your-mouth white cheese sauce smothering perfectly al dente pasta for the right bite is genuine comfort food.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 752kcal

Author Imma

Ingredients

8 ounces (230g) uncooked macaroni
3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
3 tablespoons (24g) flour
2½ cups (590ml) milk
1 tablespoon (7g) onion powder
1 tablespoon (10g) garlic powder
½-1 teaspoon (2-4g) Creole seasoning (optional)
8 ounces (230g) sharp white cheddar, grated (reserve 2 ounces for topping)
½ cup (60g) mozzarella cheese, grated
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Mac and Cheese

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, using a tablespoon of salt per quart of water. Drain and set aside, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick.
Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As soon as it melts, whisk in the flour and continue whisking for about a minute until it has a light tan color. Please don't let it brown.
Add the milk a little at a time while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly. Turn off the heat.
Stir in about ¾ of the white cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella cheese. Follow with the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional Creole seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese melts, everything evenly combines, and the sauce becomes smooth.
Add the cooked pasta and mix until thoroughly combined and the sauce covers every piece of pasta. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a lightly greased 4-quart baking dish and top with the reserved grated cheese.
Bake at 375℉ (190℃) for 12 minutes or until bubbly. Be careful not to overcook it so it doesn't dry out.
Optional: For an extra touch, lightly broil the top for another 1-2 minutes for a slightly golden brown top.
Add crispiness to the topping with a bread crumbs topping (instructions follow).

Bread Crumb Topping

Place a small skillet on medium heat with 1-2 tablespoons butter, then mix in 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
Add ½-1 cup bread crumbs, and saute for 3-4 minutes or until fragrant and slightly brown. Use as desired.

Notes

Don't overbake the mac and cheese! Pull it out of the oven as soon as it bubbles so it doesn't dry out.
Slightly undercook the pasta. Cook your pasta to barely al dente because you'll cook it again in the oven.
Freshly grated cheese works way better. The additives in the pre-grated stuff keep it from melting as smoothly.
Please remember that the nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary significantly based on the products used in the recipe.

Nutrition