White Cheddar Mac & Cheese Recipe
Oh, let me share with you all one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes – White Cheddar Mac & Cheese. This dish holds a special place in my heart, as it reminds me of cozy family dinners and gatherings filled with warmth and laughter.
Now, before we dive into the cooking process, let me walk you through the list of ingredients you’ll need:
Ingredients:
1. 16 oz. elbow macaroni
2. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
3. 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4. 4 cups whole milk
5. 8 oz. white cheddar cheese, shredded
6. Salt and pepper to taste
7. 1/2 tsp paprika
8. 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Now that we have all the ingredients gathered, let’s start preparing this delightful dish that will surely warm your soul.
Cooking Process
I remember the first time I made this White Cheddar Mac & Cheese for my family. The aroma that filled the kitchen brought everyone together, eager to dig into this creamy goodness.
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Let the sauce simmer until it thickens, then add the white cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring that each pasta is coated generously. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this White Cheddar Mac & Cheese.
Variations and Tips
While the classic White Cheddar Mac & Cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser, feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to suit your taste preferences. Adding a hint of garlic or topping the dish with breadcrumbs before baking can elevate the flavors even more.
For a healthier twist, you can use whole wheat pasta and skim milk to lighten up this indulgent dish. The key is to find the perfect balance between comfort and nutrition.
During the colder months, I love adding a touch of roasted butternut squash or caramelized onions to the mac and cheese for a seasonal twist that adds depth to the flavor profile.
Remember, cooking is all about making it your own and enjoying the process. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and tailor this recipe to your liking.
I hope this White Cheddar Mac & Cheese recipe brings as much joy to your home as it does to mine. Happy cooking and savor every bite of this creamy, cheesy delight!
WHITE CHEDDAR MAC & CHEESE (Panera Copycat)
A delicious and creamy White Cheddar Mac & Cheese recipe that is perfect for cozy family dinners and gatherings. This classic comfort food dish is rich, flavorful, and sure to warm your soul with each cheesy bite.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 8 oz. white cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Directions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk continuously to create a roux.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Simmer the sauce until thickened, then add white cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and nutmeg.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy White Cheddar Mac & Cheese.
Nutrition Facts
