White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Stovetop Recipe)

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A pot of creamy macaroni and cheese garnished with chopped herbs, with a wooden spoon resting in the mixture.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese (Stovetop Recipe)

Make the best homemade mac and cheese right on the stovetop! This creamy white cheddar mac and cheese recipe is quick, comforting, and ready by the time your pasta’s cooked!

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Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 15

Servings: Servings

Author: Michelle

Ingredients

16 oz (dry) small shell pasta
2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
2 tablespoons of all purpose flour
2 1/2 cups of whole milk
8 ounces (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon coarse Kosher salt (plus 1 tablespoon for the pasta water)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of Kosher salt.
Once boiling, add the dry pasta and cook until al dente (check the package for timing).
While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste, then stir in the garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt and the black pepper.
Slowly whisk in the milk in three additions, letting the sauce thicken before adding each addition.
Once all the milk is in, raise the heat to medium-high. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for 30 seconds or until it thickens to the consistency of heavy cream. Turn off the heat immediately once the sauce has thickened.
With the heat off, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until smooth, creamy, and completely melted. If the sauce is too thick, add a little milk to thin it out.
When the pasta is done boiling, drain it and then immediately add it to the cheese sauce. Gently mix until the shells are thoroughly coated. Give the mac and cheese a taste, and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot.

Notes

Grate the cheese yourself for the best meltage.
Time saving tip: Start the cheese sauce while waiting for the pasta water to boil. This will guarantee that the cheese sauce will be finished by the time the pasta is cooked.
Baked Mac and Cheese: Make the mac and cheese as instructed above, and turn the broiler to high heat. Pour the hot mac and cheese into a 13x9-inch baking dish. Top with 1 1/2 to 2 cups of additional shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Ritz crackers. Broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheddar is browned and melted.

Cuisine 30 Minute Meals, Comfort Food, Kid Friendly Food, Pasta Dishes

Course Dinner, Kid Friendly, Lunch

Nutrition