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White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is the best comfort food side dish recipe. Simple ingredients and delicious flavor makes this a family favorite mac and cheese.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese in a small black bowl with a large pot of mac and cheese in the background
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If you have made our Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe or then you are going to love the twist on a classic recipe. Macaroni and Cheese is delicious, comforting and easy to make.

Combining sharp white cheddar cheese with the cooked pasta makes this recipe a family favorite. Serve it for an easy weeknight dinner side or for your holiday dinner.

Why We Love This Recipe

Everyone loves a good mac and cheese recipe. We have made it many different ways including Tiktok Mac and Cheese, Cracker Barrel Mac and Cheese and Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe.

The creamy sauce, minimal prep time and simple ingredients makes this always on rotation for a crowd pleasing side dish.

Ingredients

Ingredients - Elbow Macaroni, water, salt, whole milk, butter, flour, garlic powder, ground mustard, white cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese
  • Elbow Macaroni Noodles – We like using elbows or cavatappi
  • Whole Milk – We recommend using whole milk for the best creamy texture. Feel free to also add in heavy cream.
  • Butter – We like using unsalted butter
  • All-Purpose Flour – Combined with butter will make the best roux

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

How to Make White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Elbow Macaroni Noodles in a large pot

Step 1 – In a large pot combine the elbow macaroni, water, and salt. Cook Pasta Shells to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally. Simmer the pasta until the water is almost completely absorbed and the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

Adding milk, flour, butter and seasoning to large pot of cooked macaroni noodles

Step 2 – Stir in the whole milk, butter, flour, garlic powder, and ground mustard. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes.

Topping the mac and cheese mixture with shredded cheese

Step 3 – Remove the pot from the heat and gradually stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.

Combining the shredded cheese with the mac and cheese mixture in a large pot

Step 4 – Stir white cheddar cheese sauce until melted and smooth. Then it’s ready to serve and enjoy! Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Expert Tips

  • Creamy Texture – To keep the mac and cheese creamy, make sure to keep stirring the milk and flour mixture so it doesn’t get lumpy.
  • Type of Saucepan – You could also use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven instead to make on the stovetop.
  • Cooked Pasta – When making this mac and cheese recipe, we recommend using a small pasta.
  • Shredding Cheese – To grate cheese we like using a box grater or a food processor to easily shred the cheese.
  • Choose the Right Cheese – We like using sharp white cheddar cheese for the best flavors. But you can also add in Gruyere and Gouda.
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese in a bowl with a serving on the fork

Serving Suggestions

This easy recipe is a delicious side dish to many main course recipes. We love to serve this mac and cheese with Christmas Turkey, Crockpot Spiral Ham and Slow Cooker Prime Rib.

We have even served it with Shake and Bake Chicken and Grilled Teriyaki Pork Chops. For even more ideas, see What to serve with Mac and Cheese.

Recipe FAQs

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?

We recommend using cheese that you shred yourself from bulk cheese. Pre-Shredded cheese contains other ingredients and it may not melt or taste as good.

Can I Make Ahead of Time?

White Cheddar Mac N Cheese is best served the day it is made. But you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time by cooking the pasta and shredding cheese.

How to Store Leftover Mac and Cheese

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-6 days.

Do I Need to Bake Mac and Cheese?

Baked mac and cheese is a delicious way to finish off making this recipe. But it is not necessary. For added flavors, you can easily pour the mac and cheese in a baking dish topped with Panko Breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

White Cheddar mac and Cheese in small black bowls

More Easy Mac and Cheese Recipes

If you make this White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

5 from 1 vote
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is the best comfort food side dish recipe. Simple ingredients and delicious flavor makes this a family favorite mac and cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 -6 servings
Cuisine American
Course Side Dish
Calories 843

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a large pot combine the elbow macaroni, water, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and simmer the pasta, stirring frequently, until the water is almost completely absorbed and the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Stir in the whole milk, butter, flour, garlic powder, and ground mustard. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Remove the pot from the heat and gradually stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Then it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

To keep the mac and cheese creamy, make sure to keep stirring the milk and flour mixture so it doesn’t get lumpy. You could also use a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven instead.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-6 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 843kcal, Carbohydrates 96g, Protein 36g, Fat 34g, Saturated Fat 19g, Polyunsaturated Fat 2g, Monounsaturated Fat 8g, Trans Fat 0.2g, Cholesterol 97mg, Sodium 1280mg, Potassium 514mg, Fiber 4g, Sugar 9g, Vitamin A 1047IU, Vitamin C 0.01mg, Calcium 694mg, Iron 2mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 1 vote

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Comments

  1. Casey says:

    5 stars
    Creamy, delicious and the best flavor!