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There are some recipes that instantly make you feel comfortable, and White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is one of them. It’s rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with that sharp white cheddar flavor that regular mac and cheese sometimes misses. I first started making this version when I wanted something a little more grown-up than the boxed stuff, but still easy enough for a busy weeknight.
The best thing about this recipe is that it tastes like something you’d order at a cozy American restaurant, yet it’s made with simple grocery store ingredients. The sauce turns silky smooth, the pasta stays tender, and every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness. Honestly, whenever I make this for family gatherings, there is rarely any leftovers.
How I Came Across This Recipe
A few years ago, I was testing different homemade mac and cheese recipes for a fall potluck. Most versions used yellow cheddar, but one recipe called for sharp white cheddar instead. The flavor was noticeably richer and a little tangier. After several batches and plenty of taste testing, I adjusted the recipe to create this creamy version.
Now it’s become one of my favorite comfort food recipes, especially during colder months. Sometimes I even make extra sauce because everybody always wants more.
Why You’ll Love This White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- Rich and creamy cheese sauce
- Made with simple ingredients from any American grocery store
- Perfect side dish or main meal
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Great for holidays, potlucks, and weeknight dinners
- Better than boxed mac and cheese
- Ready in about 35 minutes
- Easy to customize with bacon, chicken, or vegetables
Best Time, Season, Mood, and Occasion for This Recipe
Best Time to Eat
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Weekend comfort meals
Best Season
- Fall
- Winter
- Early Spring
Best Mood
- Cozy evenings
- Family movie nights
- Comfort food cravings
- Relaxing weekends
Best Occasions
- Thanksgiving side dish
- Christmas dinner
- Potlucks
- Family gatherings
- Sunday dinners
- Game day parties
Estimated Cost
The average cost for this recipe is approximately $12-$15 total depending on the brand of cheese used.
Cost per serving is around $2.00-$2.50.
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes20
minutes560
kcal35
minutesIngredients
- Pasta
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon kosher salt (for boiling water)
- Cheese Sauce
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
4 cups freshly shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded white American cheese
- Optional Topping
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter
¼ cup extra white cheddar cheese
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk while whisking continuously.
- Pour in heavy cream and continue whisking.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
- Simmer for 4–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Add white cheddar cheese gradually, stirring after each addition.
- Stir in white American cheese until completely melted.
- Add cooked macaroni and stir until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for stovetop mac and cheese.
- For baked mac and cheese, transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Add extra white cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
- Do not boil the sauce after adding cheese or it may become grainy.
- Sharp white cheddar provides the best flavor.
- Add cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or broccoli for a heartier meal.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of warm milk.
Nutrition Facts
8 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories560
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
33g
43%
- Saturated Fat 19g 95%
- Cholesterol 95mg 32%
- Sodium 970mg 43%
- Total Carbohydrate
42g
16%
- Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
- Total Sugars 7g
- Protein 24g 48%
- Calcium 45mg 4%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Equipment Needed
- Large stockpot
- Colander
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Baking dish (optional)
My Personal Tips
One mistake I made years ago was adding all the cheese at once. It looked fine at first but became slightly grainy. Since then, I always add cheese gradually and keep the heat low.
Another little trick is shredding cheese straight from a cold block. It melts more evenly and the sauce turns out much smoother.
And honestly, don’t skip the Dijon mustard. It sounds strange but it really does make the cheddar flavor pop.
Easy Variations
Bacon White Cheddar Mac
Mix in:
- 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Add:
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
Broccoli White Cheddar Mac
Mix in:
- 2 cups steamed broccoli florets
Three Cheese Version
Combine:
- White cheddar
- Gruyere
- Monterey Jack
The flavor becomes extra rich and slightly nutty.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese
Freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother.
Overcooking the Pasta
Pasta continues cooking slightly in the sauce.
High Heat
Too much heat can cause cheese sauce to separate.
Skipping Seasoning
Cheese alone isn’t enough. Proper seasoning brings everything together.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk before warming. This helps restore the creamy texture.
Freezing is possible, but the texture may change slightly after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best white cheddar for mac and cheese?
Sharp white cheddar is usually the best choice because it provides bold flavor while still melting beautifully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it up to one day ahead and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a little milk before serving.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
Usually the heat was too high or the cheese was added too quickly.
Can I bake this mac and cheese?
Absolutely. Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes.
Is white cheddar stronger than yellow cheddar?
The color itself doesn’t change flavor, but many white cheddar varieties are aged longer, giving them a sharper taste.
What can I serve with White Cheddar Mac and Cheese?
Popular pairings include:
- BBQ ribs
- Grilled chicken
- Meatloaf
- Pulled pork
- Roasted vegetables
- Garden salad
Can kids enjoy this recipe?
Yes. Most kids love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor, although using extra sharp cheddar may give it a slightly stronger taste.
How can I make it extra creamy?
Use freshly shredded cheese, whole milk, heavy cream, and avoid overheating the sauce. Those four things make a huge difference.