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An extreme close-up shot of a spoonful of creamy white cheddar mac and cheese, showcasing its velvety texture.
FL Recipes

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Creamy Recipe

Discover the ultimate white cheddar mac and cheese recipe. This guide delivers a foolproof, incredibly creamy, and velvety cheese sauce that never gets grainy. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Cavatappi pasta or other short pasta like shells or elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 cup heavy cream warmed
  • 3 cups sharp white cheddar cheese shredded from a block
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded from a block
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg freshly grated if possible
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Large saucepan or Dutch oven
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Box grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
  3. Slowly pour in the warmed milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Do not allow the mixture to boil.
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the shredded cheeses in handfuls, stirring until smooth after each addition. Once all the cheese is melted, stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until everything is well combined and creamy. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalProtein: 28gFat: 40gFiber: 2g

Notes

For the creamiest sauce: It is critical to shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that will make your sauce grainy.
For best results: Use warmed milk and cream. This helps the béchamel sauce come together more smoothly.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Keyword creamy mac and cheese,homemade mac and cheese,white cheddar mac and cheese

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