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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 4 cups whole milk - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the best white cheddar mac and cheese. I love using elbow macaroni because it holds the cheese sauce well. Whole milk adds creaminess and richness to the dish. Unsalted butter works best for making a smooth sauce. The flour helps thicken the cheese sauce, creating that wonderful creamy texture. My favorite part is the cheese. I use a mix of white cheddar and Parmesan for depth of flavor. For seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder add great taste without being too strong. Don't forget salt and black pepper to balance it all out. Finally, breadcrumbs give a nice crunch on top, while fresh parsley brightens up the dish. Keep these ingredients on hand, and you’ll be ready to whip up this creamy dinner delight anytime! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. - Turn on the heat and bring the water to a boil. - Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook it until it is al dente. - Drain the macaroni in a colander and set it aside. - In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. - Once the butter is melted, add the flour. Whisk it for about one minute to form a roux. - Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking. This helps avoid lumps. - Keep cooking and stir until the sauce thickens, which takes about 5-7 minutes. - Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded white cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is melted and smooth. - Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat all the pasta. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. - Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crunchy finish. - Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbling cheese. How can I avoid lumps in the cheese sauce? To avoid lumps in your cheese sauce, whisk the whole milk in slowly. Start with a small amount and blend it well with the roux. Then, add the rest of the milk gradually. This method helps ensure a smooth sauce. What cheese combinations work best? For a rich flavor, use a mix of white cheddar and Parmesan. White cheddar gives a creamy texture, while Parmesan adds a nice bite. You can also try Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different taste. Just remember to shred your cheese finely for easy melting. Why is proper seasoning important? Proper seasoning brings out the flavors in your mac and cheese. Use salt and black pepper to enhance the taste. Garlic and onion powder add depth, too. Always taste as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. What sides or proteins pair well with mac and cheese? Mac and cheese goes great with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Grilled chicken or crispy bacon can also make it a full meal. Try serving it next to steamed broccoli for a colorful plate. What are the best ways to serve and garnish? For serving, place the mac and cheese in a nice bowl. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. You can also add more cheese on top before baking for extra richness. What drinks complement this dish? Pair your mac and cheese with a light drink like iced tea or lemonade. A crisp white wine can also enhance the meal. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and creates a creamier texture than pre-shredded cheese which often contains anti-caking agents. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick to your mac and cheese. Breadcrumb Alternatives: For a unique twist, try topping with crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and flavor. Rest Before Serving: Allow the mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes after baking; this helps it set and makes it easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this dish for fun. Try sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. You can also mix in Gruyère for a nutty flavor. Don't forget about pepper jack for a spicy kick. If you need gluten-free options, choose rice or corn pasta. They work well in this recipe, too. Just follow the same cooking steps. Adding proteins can make this dish even heartier. Cooked chicken or crispy bacon adds a nice touch. You can stir them in before baking. Vegetables can boost the nutrition and flavor. Spinach adds a nice color and taste. Broccoli gives a nice crunch and pairs well with cheese. Just steam them first, then mix them in. Don't shy away from spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper brings heat to your dish. You could also try smoked paprika for a smoky taste. These small changes can make your mac and cheese stand out. To keep your white cheddar mac and cheese fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Your leftovers will last about 3-5 days in the fridge. When reheating, the oven is your best friend. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish. Add a splash of milk for creaminess. Cover with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Add a little milk and cover it loosely. Heat in short increments, stirring often. This helps keep the texture creamy and smooth. White cheddar is my top choice for mac and cheese. It melts well and adds a rich flavor. Other good options include sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Monterey Jack. Sharp cheddar gives a tangy taste. Gruyere adds a nice nutty touch, while Monterey Jack makes it creamy. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique blend of flavors. Yes, you can make mac and cheese ahead of time. Cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce as normal. Let both cool, then combine them. Place the mixture in a baking dish and cover it. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. To make your mac and cheese extra cheesy, use a mix of cheeses. Try adding a bit more white cheddar and some Gruyere. You can also add cream cheese for extra creaminess. Another tip is to sprinkle more cheese on top before baking. This gives a nice, gooey layer on the surface. In this guide, we covered how to create delicious mac and cheese from scratch. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for a creamy sauce. Variations allow you to customize flavors, while proper storage ensures leftovers stay tasty. Use these techniques for memorable meals that please everyone. Mac and cheese is a beloved dish, and with these insights, you can make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your best results!

Creamy White Cheddar Mac & Cheese

A rich and creamy mac and cheese made with white cheddar and Parmesan, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
  • 1 2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 2 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
  • Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded white cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
  • Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring to fully coat all the pasta with the creamy mixture.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for added crunch.
  • Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
  • Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to add cooked bacon or vegetables for extra flavor.
Keyword cheddar, mac and cheese, pasta