Description

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a creamy, quick comfort dish that turns simple pantry staples into velvety goodness. Made with sharp white cheddar and a silky stovetop sauce, this 30-minute recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. Perfect for family dinners, weeknights, or gatherings, it’s spoonable, comforting, and endlessly satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb elbow macaroni
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (warm)
2½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook macaroni in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden.
Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
Reduce heat to low and stir in white cheddar cheese (and Parmesan if using) until fully melted.
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm and creamy.

Notes

Whisk the sauce well to keep it smooth and avoid clumps.
For extra creaminess, whisk in a splash more milk at the end.
If you prefer a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Parmesan cheese adds tang; omit if you want a pure white cheddar flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: ~656
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: ~700 mg
Fat: ~28 g
Saturated Fat: ~17 g
Unsaturated Fat: ~9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: ~70 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: ~100 mg

Keywords: White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, quick weeknight dinner, family dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, vegetarian pasta, restaurant quality mac and cheese