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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 cups milk (whole or 2%) - 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch) - 1 tablespoon olive oil When planning to make white cheddar mac and cheese, gather these simple yet key ingredients. The elbow macaroni forms the base of the dish. It holds the creamy cheese sauce well, making every bite rich and cheesy. Unsalted butter and flour create a roux, which thickens the sauce. This process adds depth of flavor to your meal. Next, milk brings creaminess. I recommend using whole or 2% milk for the best results. The star of the dish is, of course, the white cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and gives a sharp, tangy taste that elevates the dish. Gruyère cheese adds another layer of flavor. It blends smoothly and enhances the creaminess. To add complexity, you can include Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper. These ingredients provide a hint of heat and depth. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. For that crunchy topping, use breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil. Panko breadcrumbs are a great choice for extra crunch. They create a lovely contrast to the creamy pasta below. For the complete details on how to combine these ingredients into a perfect white cheddar mac and cheese, check out the Full Recipe. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. - Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Return the empty pot to medium heat. - Melt the unsalted butter in the pot. - Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. - Cook the roux until it turns a light golden color, about 1-2 minutes. - Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to avoid lumps. - Heat the mixture until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. - Lower the heat and mix in the shredded white cheddar and Gruyère cheese. - Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy. - Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and seasonings. - Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. - Stir gently until all the pasta is coated in the rich cheese sauce. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until glossy. - Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. - Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top. - Bake for about 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. For full details, check out the Full Recipe. - Always use freshly shredded cheddar. It melts better and tastes great. - Stir the milk in slowly. This helps avoid lumps in your sauce. - Use individual bowls for each person. It makes serving easy and fun. - Add parsley or extra cheese on top. This makes the dish look nice. - Try different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella. Each adds a new twist. - Add spices like paprika or thyme for more depth. They can change the whole dish. Follow these tips to create a white cheddar mac and cheese that shines. Each step adds to the creamy delight. Enjoy cooking! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} You can add fun ingredients to make your mac and cheese unique. Try mixing in cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist. The salty flavor of bacon pairs well with the creamy cheese. If you want a healthier option, add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach. They add color and nutrients, making the dish more balanced. Cheese is the star of this dish, so don’t be shy! You can try different cheese blends for a gourmet touch. Mixing in cheeses like mozzarella or fontina can create new flavors. For a bolder taste, use sharp cheddar. It adds a nice kick that many people enjoy. If you like some heat, you can spice things up! Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. They will bring warmth and excitement to each bite. You can also adjust cayenne pepper based on your taste. Just a pinch can enhance the flavor without overwhelming the dish. These variations allow you to personalize your white cheddar mac and cheese. Each addition makes it special and delicious. For more ideas and the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered helps prevent drying out. This way, you can enjoy your creamy white cheddar mac and cheese later. Just make sure to cool it first before sealing. You can freeze cooked mac and cheese for up to 2 months. To do this, place it in a freezer-safe container. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This method helps keep the texture nice. To reheat, use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat it at a low temperature to avoid drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Enjoy the same cheesy goodness as when it was fresh! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. The best options include white cheddar and Gruyère for flavor and texture. White cheddar gives a sharp taste. Gruyère adds a rich creaminess. Together, they create a delicious mac and cheese that everyone loves. Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake it right before serving. Just store the uncooked dish in the fridge. This helps the flavors meld. When ready, pop it in the oven. It will still taste fresh and cheesy. Ensure the cheese is freshly shredded and incorporate milk while reheating to maintain creaminess. This prevents clumping and keeps it smooth. You can also add a bit more milk if it seems dry. The goal is a rich, velvety sauce that coats every noodle perfectly. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy White Cheddar Mac & Cheese section. This blog post covered the basics of a delicious mac and cheese recipe. We explored the main, additional, and topping ingredients. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips for the best results. You can even adjust the flavors to match your taste or add extra ingredients for variety. In short, this dish is easy to customize and sure to please. Enjoy making this classic comfort food with your own unique twist!

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy white cheddar mac & cheese recipe! Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni meets a rich sauce made with white cheddar and Gruyère cheese, topped with crispy Panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. This simple yet delicious dish is ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a kick)

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions
 

Pasta Kochen: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.

    Roux Zubereiten: Return the empty pot to medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt completely, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, letting it turn a light golden color—this helps to develop flavor.

      Milch Hinzufügen: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir continuously as the mixture heats up, cooking for approximately 5-7 minutes until it thickens significantly and starts bubbling.

        Käse Schneiden: Lower the heat and incorporate the shredded white cheddar and Gruyère cheese into the thickened sauce. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

          Würzen: Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for your preference.

            Pasta und Käsesauce Kombinieren: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce in the pot. Gently stir until each piece of pasta is evenly coated in the luxurious cheese mixture.

              Vorbereitung zum Backen: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and olive oil until the breadcrumbs are glossy; set aside.

                In die Backform Geben: Transfer the creamy mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture across the top for a delightful crunch.

                  Backen: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly, creating a delightful crust.

                    Servieren: Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this indulgent, creamy comfort food that’s sure to please everyone!

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4-6

                        - Tip for Presentation: Serve in individual bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese for a sophisticated touch!