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Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

white cheddar mac and cheese - featured image
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A comforting and creamy mac and cheese recipe made with sharp white cheddar cheese, perfect for cozy dinners or lazy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni (or shells or cavatappi)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 7-9 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken slightly. Lower the heat to medium-low.
  4. Add the shredded white cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth after each addition.
  5. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and paprika (if using). Taste and adjust as needed.
  6. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in the pot, stirring until every piece is coated. Let the mac and cheese sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with parsley or extra cheese if desired.

Notes

[‘Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest sauce—pre-shredded cheese may contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.’, ‘Don’t rush the roux! Cooking the flour and butter for a minute ensures no raw flour taste in your sauce.’, ‘If your sauce gets too thick, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up.’, ‘Always season the sauce to taste. A pinch more salt or ground mustard can make all the difference.’, ‘For extra flavor, try adding a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the cheese sauce.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, white cheddar, creamy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, family-friendly

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