White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe – Quick & Easy 30-Minute Meal
Forget the boxed stuff and indulge in a homemade, quick, and incredibly easy recipe for White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. This delectable dish will be ready to serve in 30 minutes or less, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever a comfort food craving hits!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients for White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- How to Make White Cheddar Mac and Cheese: Step-by-Step
- Tips for Perfect White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- Frequently Asked Questions About Mac and Cheese
- Delicious Mac and Cheese Variations
- Printable White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe
Few things evoke the same sense of comfort and satisfaction as a generous bowl of mac and cheese. The kind where the cheese sauce is so velvety smooth that it creates endless cheese pulls as you stir. It’s the ultimate indulgence and undeniably Instagram-worthy.
We’ve already conquered the classics like classic sharp cheddar mac and cheese, explored gourmet flavors with French onion mac and cheese, and even embraced the unexpected with pumpkin mac and cheese. So, when a recent grocery run resulted in an overabundance of white cheddar, there was only one logical solution: share this amazing 30-Minute White Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe with you!
While the creamy texture and mild flavor of white cheddar are certainly enticing, the real appeal lies in the recipe’s incredibly short preparation time. As a busy parent, the total recipe time of just 30 minutes is a game-changer. Yes, you read that right – a delicious, homemade mac and cheese ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish!
The process is incredibly straightforward:
- Boil your favorite pasta noodles.
- Prepare the luscious white cheddar cheese sauce.
- Combine the cooked noodles with the cheese sauce.
- Stir, serve, and savor every bite!
While white cheddar is undoubtedly the star of this cheesy masterpiece, I elevate the flavor profile by incorporating a full cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The salty richness of the Parmesan perfectly complements the creamy tanginess of the white cheddar, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will delight any cheese lover.
Ingredients for White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to create this irresistible white cheddar mac and cheese:
- Pasta: Short pasta shapes with plenty of nooks and crannies are ideal for capturing all that creamy sauce. I highly recommend Cavatappi (with its delightful twisty shape) or classic shells.
- Milk: Whole milk creates the richest, most decadent sauce, but you can also use 2% milk for a slightly lighter option.
- Butter: Always use unsalted butter to have better control over the overall salt content of the dish.
- Flour: Combining equal parts of fat (butter) and flour forms a *roux*, a classic French technique that thickens liquids into a velvety smooth sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential for seasoning the creamy pasta sauce. Be mindful of the salt, as the Parmesan cheese will also contribute to the overall saltiness.
- White Cheddar Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, purchase a block of high-quality white cheddar cheese and grate it just before using. You’ll need approximately 12 to 16 ounces of cheese to yield 3 cups when grated.
- Parmesan Cheese: The salty, umami-rich flavor of Parmesan cheese adds depth and complexity to this already amazing cheesy recipe. Use freshly grated Parmesan or grate your own with a Microplane grater for the finest texture.
Refer to the detailed recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and quantities.
How to Make White Cheddar Mac and Cheese: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a comforting and delicious white cheddar mac and cheese in just 30 minutes:
- Cook the pasta. Cooking times will vary depending on the pasta shape you choose, so aim for the minimum cooking time listed on the pasta box to achieve al dente pasta (meaning it should still be slightly firm to the bite). You can drain the pasta and use the same pot for the sauce, or, to save time, start making the sauce in a separate large pot while the pasta is cooking.
Pro Tip: Salting the pasta water adds an extra layer of flavor. Use about a tablespoon of kosher salt per 4 quarts of water.
- Heat the milk. Warming the milk in a separate saucepan before adding it to the roux helps prevent splattering and minimizes the formation of lumps in the sauce. However, ensure the milk isn’t too hot, as this can actually *cause* lumps.
- Make the roux. Add the flour to the melted butter immediately after it foams. Stir continuously to ensure even browning without burning. Cook the roux long enough to develop a toasty aroma, about 3 minutes.
- Whisk in the milk. Gradually add the warm milk to the roux, whisking constantly after each addition to smooth out any lumps. It will initially clump up, but as you continue adding liquid, it will transform into a smooth sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, then lightly season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cheese. Reduce the heat to low and add the grated white cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the pasta and serve. Add the drained, cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- It’s crucial to cook the butter and flour mixture (the roux) for a sufficient amount of time to fully develop its flavor. The mixture should transition to a pale golden brown hue and release a nutty, toasted aroma.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile and welcomes additions. Consider stirring in cooked frozen peas, crispy crumbled bacon, diced ham, or other ingredients to customize the finished dish to your liking.
- If you enjoy the satisfying crunch of baked mac and cheese, sprinkle the stovetop mac and cheese with panko breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers just before serving for added texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mac and Cheese
This recipe specifically calls for mild white cheddar cheese, but if you prefer a bolder flavor, feel free to substitute with sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese. The choice between white or yellow cheddar is entirely up to your preference!
Absolutely! Any short pasta cut will work beautifully in this recipe. Opt for shapes with crevices, grooves, or a tubular structure. These shapes excel at capturing the sauce within their nooks and crannies, ensuring each bite is bursting with creamy goodness.
While pre-shredded cheese from a bag may seem convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents like cornstarch, potato starch, or cellulose, which can compromise the sauce’s consistency. For optimal results, I recommend purchasing a block of cheese and grating it yourself using the larger holes on a box grater.
Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to the container. For longer storage, you can freeze it in an airtight container for 1 to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and serving. To reheat, either use the stovetop or microwave in a loosely covered, microwave-safe container for 1 minute, then stir and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warm throughout.
Delicious Mac and Cheese Variations
Craving more mac and cheese inspiration? Explore these equally tempting recipes:
- Easy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
- 30-Minute Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
- Roasted Garlic Mac and Cheese
- French Onion Mac and Cheese
Want even more delicious recipes? Subscribe to Just a Taste to receive new recipes, meal plans, and a newsletter delivered directly to your inbox! Stay connected on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, and Instagram for all the latest updates.
30-Minute White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
