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–+ servings
Three bowls of creamy white cheddar mac and cheese with elbow macaroni and black pepper.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Avatar photoRhonda Cawthorn
Whip up this creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese recipe in just 20 minutes! Ditch the powdered stuff for a rich, homemade dish that's incredibly easy.
4.80 from 5 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course lunch or dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 684 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese cubed
  • 8 ounces white American cheese preferably Boar's Head brand from deli, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried mustard
  • 1 pound pasta such as orecchiette or elbow macaroni

Instructions
 

  • Start boiling water: In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the pasta's flavor.
    White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
  • Cook pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook as per the package's instructions until al dente. Drain well.
  • Make roux for sauce: In a separate pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste, cooking for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
    White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
  • Create cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream to the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
    White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
  • Add cheeses: Slowly incorporate the cubed white cheddar and sliced American cheese into the sauce, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth.
    White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
  • Season sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, and dried mustard. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
    White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
  • Serve: Dish out the macaroni and cheese while it's warm and enjoy the creamy goodness!
    White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Nutrition

Calories: 684kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 19gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 24gSodium: 563mgFiber: 3g
Keyword homemade mac and cheese, homemade white cheddar macaroni and cheese, panera copycat macaroni and cheese, panera mac and cheese
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