White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, oven-baked White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. Featuring tender elbow macaroni blanketed in a rich, velvety sauce made from sharp white cheddar, whole milk, and a hint of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang, this recipe elevates a classic favorite to gourmet levels. A golden panko breadcrumb topping, combined with extra melty white cheddar, adds an irresistible crunch to every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side dish, this easy yet elegant recipe comes together in just 40 minutes from prep to plate. Serve it fresh from the oven for maximum cheesy goodness!
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Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 0.125 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 0.5 cup extra white cheddar cheese, shredded (for topping)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
Step 3
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is bubbling and slightly golden.
Step 4
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
Step 5
Once the sauce has thickened slightly (about 5-7 minutes), reduce the heat to low and add the white cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 6
Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Step 7
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat all the pasta evenly.
Step 8
Transfer the mac and cheese to a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Step 9
Scatter the extra white cheddar cheese over the breadcrumb topping.
Step 10
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 11
Let the mac and cheese sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1866.6g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 4976.9 |
| Total Fat 300.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 175.9g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g | |
| Cholesterol 871.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5700.6mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 372.2g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.2g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 51.0g | |
| Protein 181.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 406.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3740.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 1441.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories