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An extreme macro shot of the creamy cheese sauce coating elbow macaroni in a white cheddar mac and cheese dish.
FL Recipes

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Creamy Recipe

Discover the secret to the creamiest, most flavorful White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. This easy-to-follow recipe uses real ingredients for a velvety smooth cheese sauce that makes it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Elbow Macaroni or other short pasta
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 3 cups Whole Milk warmed
  • 16 oz Sharp White Cheddar Cheese freshly shredded from a block
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp White Pepper

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Box grater

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the box says). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly.
  3. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheese in handfuls, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding the next. Stir until the sauce is completely smooth.
  5. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well-coated. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcalProtein: 28gFat: 35gFiber: 2g

Notes

For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with buttered panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Always shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
Keyword creamy mac and cheese,homemade mac and cheese,white cheddar mac and cheese

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