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If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this white cheddar mac and cheese. Be it cozy dinners, family gatherings, or even a holiday side, this dish is always a winner!
Is white cheddar mac and cheese any good? Spoiler alert: It’s absolutely amazing!
With its rich, creamy texture and bold white cheddar flavor, this dish is perfect for a cozy night in, Christmas dinners, or as a Thanksgiving side to impress your guests.
Packed with the cheesy goodness of cheddar and the richness of milk, this pasta gives you a feeling of fullness.
And if that’s not enough- garlic, oregano, and chili flakes dial things up to an eleven with their aroma and savoriness for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Whip up a bowl of this white mac and cheese tonight and you’ll thank me later!
And if you’re looking for something similar, check out this cottage cheese pasta sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Bold and Creamy Flavor: The tangy richness of white cheddar cheese makes this mac and cheese stand out from the classic versions.
- So Easy: This is a no-fuss recipe you’ll come back to time and time again.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Customizable: With veggies, protein, or breadcrumbs you can do a lot of additions to make it your own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From weeknight dinners to holiday feasts, white cheddar mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe
Elbow Macaroni: Or any pasta shape you love—cavatappi, shells, or penne work great too.
Butter: For the roux that forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Oil: To make pasta not stick together after boiling it.
Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and bind the ingredients together.
Milk: Whole milk gives the best creaminess, but you can use 2% or even heavy cream for an even more creamy texture.
White Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Shred your own cheddar cheese block for a better texture and flavor. Furthermore, it is also healthy-ish (source).
Oregano: For a subtle herbaceous note that complements the cheese.
Red Chili Flakes: Adds a slight kick to balance the richness.
Garlic: It enhances the overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper
How To Make White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add oil, and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red chili flakes, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Cover the saucepan for 5 minutes to let the pasta soak the sauce completely.
Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, creamy perfection of white cheddar mac and cheese.
Tips & Variations
For Extra Creaminess: Substitute some of the milk with heavy cream for an ultra-luxury texture. You can also add parmesan along with cheddar during the cooking process.
Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the mac and cheese and broil until golden brown.
Protein Boost: Make it a heartier meal by adding cooked chicken, bacon, or shrimp, making the pasta more protein-heavy.
Veggie Add-Ins: Stir in steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Serving Options
Salads: A crisp green salad like a golden girl salad can be a great combination for a balanced meal.
Breads: Pasta and garlic bread are a marriage made in heaven. You can also pair this mac and white cheddar cheese recipe with Texas toast or these air fryer croutons for extra indulgence.
Roasted Veggies: Roasted, grilled, or stir-fries (like cabbage carrot stir fry recipe) add a pop of color and nutrition. Plus they perfectly contrast the gooey texture of the pasta with their crunchy one.
Meat and Protein: Anything from grilled meat to fried fish, you can easily team them up for an incredible dinner.
How to Store
In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
In the Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above.
Meal Prep: Prepare the pasta and cheese sauce separately and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, combine and heat on the stovetop. Add a dash of milk for some consistency.
Please rate and comment if you make these white cheddar mac and cheese so I know how much you like them.
Easy And Creamy White Cheddar Mac And Cheese
Ingredients
For cooking Pasta:
- Water
- 1½ tsp Oil
- 250 g Macaroni pasta
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 5-6 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
- 2½ cup (600 ml) Milk
- 2 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Red Chili Flakes
- Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper powder
- 2 cups (450 g) Cheddar Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add oil, and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
- Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red chili flakes, and cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Cover the saucepan for 5 minutes to let the pasta soak the sauce completely.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the gooey, creamy perfection of white cheddar mac and cheese.
Notes
- For Extra Creaminess: Substitute some of the milk with heavy cream for an ultra-luxury texture. You can also add parmesan along with cheddar during the cooking process.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the mac and cheese and broil until golden brown.
- Protein Boost: Make it a heartier meal by adding cooked chicken, bacon, or shrimp, making the pasta more protein-heavy.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Stir in steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.