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White cheddar mac and cheese served in a bowl with a spoon.
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4.66 from 20 votes

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Homemade white cheddar mac and cheese is ultra creamy and cheesy. All you need are 8 ingredients and 30 minutes to make this quick and cozy weeknight meal.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Mac and Cheese
Cuisine: American
Keyword: white cheddar mac and cheese
Servings: 6
Author: Lee Funke

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. small or medium pasta shells
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups 2% milk
  • 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese*
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the uncooked shells and kosher salt to the water and stir.
  • Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
  • Strain the noodles and set aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, prepare a roux. Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium/high heat.
  • Add the flour and whisk until the butter and flour form a crumble.
    A pan with flour, eggs, and milk next to it - used for making white cheddar mac and cheese.
  • Slowly add the milk to the pot, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk the roux over medium/high heat until the roux thickens, about 4-6 minutes.
    A person making white cheddar mac and cheese by pouring milk into a pan.
  • When the roux is thick, remove the pot from the heat and add the cheddar cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted.
    Cheesy risotto cooked with white cheddar, spices, and prepared in a pan.
  • Add the granulated garlic, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  • Add the cooked pasta shells to the cheese sauce and mix until the noodles are evenly covered in the sauce. Enjoy immediately!

Video

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="LsawOKJI" upload-date="2022-11-18T00:00:00.000Z" name="White Cheddar Mac and Cheese" description="Say hello to this creamy, cheesy white cheddar mac and cheese! This delicious mac and cheese recipe is made on the stovetop with 3 whole cups of white cheddar."]

Notes

  • Storing leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place leftovers in a pot on the stovetop set to medium heat. Add a splash of milk and salt to taste, stirring until warm throughout. Do not freeze leftovers - the milk and cheese won't thaw and reheat well.
  • Cheese: Freshly grated white cheddar cheese is best. If you don't have a cheese grater, here's how to grate cheese without one!

Nutrition

Calories: 639kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 29g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g