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wooden spoon in a skillet of white cheddar mac and cheese.
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4.60 from 5 votes

Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

This creamy white cheddar mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. A creamy bechamel sauce is flavored with sharp white cheddar and parmesan cheese. It is made all on the stovetop and is not baked for the perfect creamy texture.
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Servings: 4
Calories: 673kcal
Author: Olivia Parsons

Ingredients

  • ½ lb short pasta elbow macaroni, mini shells, cavatappi, etc.
  • ¼ cup salted butter
  • ¼ cup all purpose flour or gluten free flour/cornstarch
  • 2 cups 2% milk or heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded strong white cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon each: garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, cook the pasta in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package states. Save 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside when done.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter then add the flour. Whisk until a thick paste forms and continue stirring until golden, 1-3 minutes.
  • Slowly add the milk and continue to whisk. Cook 2-4 minutes until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Add the cheese and seasonings. Whisk well until melted and combined.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently stir until coated. Let the pasta finish cooking in the sauce for 2 minutes. Serve topped with parsley and fresh cracked pepper!

Notes

  • Can I make this gluten free? Sure—use gluten free elbow macaroni and gluten free flour or cornstarch instead of the flour. Be sure not to overcook the pasta as it is more likely to fall apart.
  • Can I make this dairy free? Unfortunately the milk and cheese are a major part of this recipe.
  • Storage: Allow mac and cheese to cool then place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a few tablespoon of milk.
 
Nutrition facts are an estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 673kcal | Carbohydrates: 59g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 36.5g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 820mg | Potassium: 381mg | Fiber: 2.2g | Sugar: 7.5g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Calcium: 673mg | Iron: 1mg