White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, delivering a creamy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With sharp white cheddar enveloping al dente macaroni, this dish creates a warm embrace for your taste buds. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, each bite promises an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook until golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until melted.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing cheeses such as Gruyère or mozzarella. Customize with crispy bacon or sautéed vegetables for unique variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently on the stovetop with milk.