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White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the creamy goodness of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, a comfort food classic that promises to delight your taste buds. This dish features tender cavatappi pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made with freshly grated white cheddar and parmesan. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, this recipe is both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Whether enjoyed as a standalone meal or paired with your favorite proteins and vegetables, every bite is an explosion of cheesy flavor that is sure to please everyone at the table.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 16 ounces white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add pasta, and cook until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until thickened (3-4 minutes).
  3. Combine: Lower heat and stir in white cheddar until melted. Add seasonings, then toss in the drained pasta until evenly coated.
  4. Serve hot: Adjust sauce consistency if needed with additional milk. Enjoy garnished with extra cheese or herbs!
  • Author: Emmeline
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in steamed broccoli or spinach. Enhance flavor by experimenting with different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella. Bake with breadcrumbs on top for a crispy crust.

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