Indulge in this ultimate creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, packed with rich flavors and a velvety texture—perfect for any occasion.
Author:info-nailzspagmail-com
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb Elbow Macaroni (or other short pasta)
4 tbsp Unsalted Butter
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
3 cups Whole Milk (warmed)
12 oz Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated)
4 oz Gruyère Cheese (freshly grated)
1 tsp Dijon Mustard
1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
1/8 tsp Cayenne Pepper (optional)
1/8 tsp Grated Nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta well and set aside.
Melt the Butter: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until bubbly and fragrant.
Create the Roux: Whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to the melted butter to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the warmed 3 cups of whole milk, whisking continuously. Cook and stir for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Stir in the Cheeses: Remove from heat and add the freshly grated sharp white cheddar and Gruyère cheeses in handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth.
Season the Sauce: Stir in 1 tsp of Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of black pepper, and optional cayenne and nutmeg until well combined.
Combine with Pasta: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir gently until all macaroni is coated.
Serve Immediately: Dish out and serve hot, optionally adding more black pepper or cheese if desired.
Notes
For a twist, add steamed broccoli, cooked bacon, or jalapeños for variations.