White Cheddar Baked Mac and Cheese is loaded with a creamy combination of shredded white cheddar cheese, pasta, and seasonings whipped up on the stove top and finished in the oven until golden brown. Ready in 30 minutes.
Why I love this recipe
This easy recipe is rich and creamy and works great for a side or main dish.
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Ingredients
(amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post)
elbow macaroni (or shells, or cavatappi, etc.)
unsalted butter
all-purpose flour
powdered mustard
black pepper
milk
shredded white cheddar cheese
Substitutions
Use any shape macaroni or pasta you like.
Equipment used for this recipe
How to make White Cheddar Baked Mac and Cheese
Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 2 – In a sauce pan, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions and set aside.
Step 3 – At the same time, in a large sauce pan over low heat, melt the butter.
Step 4 – Whisk in the flour, dry mustard, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 – 2 minutes until well combined.
Step 5 – Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 10 minutes, stirring very often.
Step 6 – Remove the sauce from the heat and gradually add 3 cups of white cheddar cheese and whisk until the cheese is melted and smooth.
Step 7 – Using a colander, drain the macaroni well and add it to the cheese sauce, mix until everything is coated.
Step 8 – Pour the mac and cheese into a 10 inch cast iron skillet (or a 9×9 inch baking dish) sprayed with non-stick spray.
Step 9 – Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese.
Step 10 – Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until the cheese is lightly golden brown and bubbly.
Step 11 – Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe FAQs
Macaroni and cheese should be baked uncovered to allow the cheese to lightly brown on top.
Yes you can then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Allow it to come to room temperature while the oven pre-heats. It can also be frozen. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it first in the fridge and then bake it.
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White Cheddar Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or shells, or cavatappi, etc.)
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon powdered mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a sauce pan, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions and set aside.
- At the same time, in a large sauce pan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour, dry mustard, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 – 2 minutes until well combined.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 10 minutes, stirring very often.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and gradually add 3 cups of white cheddar cheese and whisk until the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Using a colander, drain the macaroni well and add it to the cheese sauce, mix until everything is coated.
- Pour the mac and cheese into a 10 inch cast iron skillet (or a 9×9 inch baking dish) sprayed with non-stick spray.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded white cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 15 – 20 minutes or until the cheese is lightly golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This easy recipe is rich and creamy and works great for a side or main dish.
Nutrition
Hi and welcome. I’m Zona and I love creating recipes for easy dinners or desserts.