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Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 18 reviews

This Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni smothered in a rich, velvety white cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powders, then baked with a crunchy Parmesan breadcrumb topping for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Topping

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, then add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden and bubbling, which helps cook out the raw flour taste.
  3. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently, forming a smooth béchamel sauce.
  4. Add cheeses and seasonings: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in shredded white cheddar, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper until the cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the cheesy sauce.
  6. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  7. Assemble the dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, then evenly sprinkle this topping over the mac and cheese.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Cool and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set before serving warm.

Notes

  • To save time, prepare the macaroni and cheese sauce up to step 5, then refrigerate and bake just before serving.
  • For a crispier topping, you can broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • Cayenne pepper is optional; omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and flavor.
  • Substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less creamy.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, white cheddar mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/creamy-white-cheddar-mac-and-cheese-recipe/