Creamy Dreamy White Cheddar Mac Cheese Ready in 20
Recipe Introduction: Creamy Dreamy White Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Fancy a bit of comfort food? How about some White cheddar mac and cheese ? Honestly, who doesn't love a good mac and cheese? This recipe is a hug in a bowl, proper comfort food.
Why This White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe is the Bee's Knees
White cheddar mac and cheese is a classic dish with roots in both British and American cuisine. It's super easy to make.
It takes only about 20 minutes from start to finish. This quick mac and cheese recipe serves about 6 people.
Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in.
Benefits of this Comfort Food Recipe
This recipe uses extra sharp white cheddar. It brings a lovely tangy flavour. Plus, it's packed with protein. Serve it as a mac and cheese side dish with sausages.
Or make it the star of the show with some crispy bacon! It's seriously versatile, you know? The secret is in the white cheddar cheese sauce .
Ready to dive in? Let's talk about what you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Alright, let's talk about what you need. This easy white cheddar mac and cheese recipe is dead simple. We're making a proper creamy white cheddar mac and cheese , so quality matters.
Remember to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Main Ingredients: The Cheese is Key!
- Pasta: 3 cups (270g) of small shells (conchiglie). Get a good brand!
- Butter: 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter.
- Flour: 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose.
- Mustard Powder: 1/2 teaspoon . A little kick never hurt.
- Milk: 1 3/4 cups (414ml) whole milk.
- White Cheddar: 2 cups (227g) extra sharp, freshly shredded. Use good stuff! Trust me.
- White American Cheese: 4 ounces (113g) . Optional, but it adds that meltiness. If you can't find White American cheese, monterey jack cheese will work, though the flavour will be slightly different
For that epic cheese pull, your white cheddar needs to be extra sharp . Freshly shredded cheese melts better. Avoid the pre-shredded stuff if you can, honestly.
Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Seasoning Notes: From Bland to Grand
- Essential: Salt and freshly ground black pepper. Season as you go.
- Flavor Boosters: A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth. Garlic powder gives it depth.
- Substitutions: A dash of hot sauce instead of pepper will give you a kick. This is a fantastic mac and cheese variation .
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple!
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta. Any big pot will do.
- Colander: To drain the pasta, obviously.
- Medium Saucepan: To make the white cheddar cheese sauce .
- Whisk: For a smooth cheese sauce.
- Cheese Grater: You need to grate that cheddar!
You don’t need fancy gadgets. A normal saucepan and a whisk will do the job. This stovetop white cheddar mac and cheese recipe is about comfort food recipes , not fancy techniques.
Honestly? I've made this quick mac and cheese in a rush using just a pot and a spoon before. Still tasted amazing.
The cheese sauce for pasta is the MVP here. A dollop of sour cream in the end adds creaminess. It's a great mac and cheese side dish , but sometimes, it's my main course! Now go get your cook on.
Cooking Method: Creamy Dreamy White Cheddar Mac & Cheese (Ready in 20!)
Right then, fancy a bit of comfort food recipes ? I'm sharing my ridiculously easy white cheddar mac and cheese .
Honestly, this is better than any shop bought version. It's ready quicker than you can say "Bob's your uncle!". Perfect for a quick dinner or as a cracking mac and cheese side dish .
Let's get cracking, shall we?
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first. Get all your ingredients measured out. This is called mise en place , my friend. It means "everything in its place".
Grate your white cheddar cheese . Then, measure out your flour and milk. Having everything ready saves so much time. For safety, always wash your hands before you start cooking.
This sounds simple, but you know some people!
step-by-step Process: Easy Peasy Mac & Cheesy
- Boil 3 cups of pasta in salted water for 7- 9 minutes . It must be al dente.
- Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a saucepan over medium low heat.
- Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder. Cook for 1 minute . Don't let it brown.
- Gradually whisk in 1 3/4 cups of milk. Whisk until thick. About 3- 5 minutes .
- Reduce the heat to low. Add 2 cups of white cheddar cheese and 4 ounces of White American cheese.
- Stir until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add pasta to the cheese sauce for pasta . Stir to coat.
- Serve this quick mac and cheese immediately.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Mac
Want seriously creamy white cheddar mac and cheese ? Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is no good, honestly. Also, keep the heat low while melting the cheese.
High heat makes it grainy. Eww! Want a mac and cheese variation ? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick.
A stovetop white cheddar mac and cheese is best served immediately.
Recipe Notes for White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Alright, let's chat about some extra bits for your creamy white cheddar mac and cheese . You know, the little things to make it extra special.
Serving White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Like a Pro
Presentation is key, innit? Think about it.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens it up. Plus, some toasted breadcrumbs add a nice crunch. Serve it in a fancy bowl.
Make it Instagram worthy! As mac and cheese side dish , it pairs great with grilled chicken. Maybe even some roasted veggies.
Honestly, a nice crisp salad balances the richness. For a proper British twist, try it with some baked beans. You might be surprised.
Storage Secrets for Your Easy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop it in the fridge within 2 hours. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
It'll last for about 3-4 days. Don't freeze it. It doesn't freeze well. The cheese sauce can get a bit weird.
Reheating is easy. Just microwave it. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Mac and Cheese Variations for Every Taste
Fancy a twist? I get it. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Loads of folks are ditching the gluten these days. Add some roasted broccoli for extra nutrients.
For a spicy kick , add a pinch of cayenne pepper. It's like a little hug with a zing! You can also mix other cheeses like Gruyere or pepper jack.
These will bring the easy white cheddar mac and cheese recipe to a whole new level.
Nutrition Basics of White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
A serving has roughly 350 calories. It's a good source of protein. Thanks to the cheese! It's also got carbs.
From the pasta, obviously. And plenty of fat. That's why it tastes so good! Remember, it's comfort food recipes , so enjoy in moderation.
But treat yourself, yeah?
Honestly, making stovetop white cheddar mac and cheese is easier than you think. These tips will help you nail it every time.
Don't be afraid to experiment. Have a go, it's all about the fun of cooking! This quick mac and cheese is a guaranteed hit.
Get cooking and enjoy! And don't forget to get the white cheddar cheese sauce right - that's the key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to prevent my White cheddar mac and cheese sauce from being grainy? I've had a right disaster with cheese sauces before!
Oh, the dreaded grainy cheese sauce! The key is to keep the heat low and stir, stir, stir! Adding the cheese gradually over low heat and stirring continuously prevents it from seizing up and becoming grainy.
Also, make sure you're using freshly shredded cheese; pre-shredded often has cellulose which stops it melting smoothly. If the sauce does start to look grainy, a splash of milk or cream can sometimes help bring it back, but prevention is definitely better than cure!
Can I use different types of cheese in this White cheddar mac and cheese recipe? I'm feeling a bit adventurous!
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for white cheddar and White American cheese, feel free to experiment. Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of pepper jack can add a lovely flavour twist. Just remember that some cheeses melt better than others, so stick to varieties known for their smooth melting properties.
Adding some parmesan will also add some umami flavour to the dish.
How do I store leftover White cheddar mac and cheese, and how long will it last? Can I freeze it?
Leftover White cheddar mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Freezing isn't ideal, as the sauce can sometimes separate upon thawing, but if you must, store in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating, and again, a little extra milk is your friend!
Is there a way to make this White cheddar mac and cheese a bit healthier? I'm trying to be good, but this looks too tempting to resist!
You can lighten it up a bit! Try using whole wheat pasta for added fibre. Substituting some of the whole milk with skimmed milk or even unsweetened almond milk can reduce the fat content without drastically affecting the flavour.
You could also sneak in some finely chopped vegetables, like cauliflower or broccoli, into the sauce for an extra nutritional boost. Every little helps!
I'm cooking for a crowd. Can I double or triple this White cheddar mac and cheese recipe easily?
Yes, you can absolutely scale up the recipe! Just double or triple all the ingredients proportionally. Keep in mind that with larger quantities, the cooking time might increase slightly, especially when making the cheese sauce.
Ensure you have a large enough saucepan to accommodate the increased volume, and stir frequently to prevent sticking or burning. Practice makes perfect, eh?
Can I add a crispy topping to this White cheddar mac and cheese?
That's a stonking idea! Adding a crispy topping elevates the dish. Combine breadcrumbs (panko work especially well), melted butter, and some grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking in a preheated oven (375°F/190°C) until golden brown and bubbly about 15-20 minutes.
Alternatively, a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or fried onions also adds some extra flavour.
Creamy Dreamy White Cheddar Mac Cheese Ready In
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
