White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

Dive right into a creamy, comforting bowl of homemade White Cheddar Mac and Cheese that’s delightfully simple, speedy, and guaranteed to leave you swooning. Imagine tender cavatappi noodles, tossed and twirled in a velvety sauce made lighter with cottage cheese, but still bursting with the nostalgic, crave-worthy cheese pull of classic mac and cheese. With just a handful of straightforward ingredients most of which you likely have on hand this version is wholesome, packed with flavor, and so quick to make, you’ll find yourself returning to it on the busiest of weeknights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chickpea cavatappi noodles: Brings extra fiber and protein; any pasta shape works, but cavatappi really holds the sauce.
• Yellow onion: Finely minced, this gives a sweet, subtle depth to the sauce; essential for a flavor boost.
• Garlic: Just a couple of cloves deliver that beautiful, aromatic hit every good mac and cheese needs.
• Low-fat milk: The creamy backbone of your cheese sauce; any milk will do depending on your preference.
• Low-fat cottage cheese: Don’t skip this! When blended, it melts seamlessly into the sauce, making it extra silky without heavy cream.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce quickly; feel free to sub in whole wheat or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• White cheddar cheese: The star of the show sharp, tangy, and wonderfully melty.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning; always taste and adjust!
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but brightens up the final dish and adds a fresh touch.

Tip: Add a swirl of hot sauce for a little kick, or keep it classic for the purists at your table.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here’s how to make this dish your own:

• Change the Cheese: Try smoked gouda, fontina, or a blend for an extra luxurious sauce.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free noodle and swap in 1:1 gluten-free flour.
• Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for color, texture, and extra nutrition.
• Spice Things Up: Dash in some cayenne, sriracha, or chipotle powder for a spicy mac moment.
• Make it Vegan: Go with vegan cheese and plant-based milk, and use a thickener like cornstarch instead of flour.

How to Make White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your chickpea cavatappi noodles (or any pasta you have). You want them just barely tender al dente so they soak up all the cheese sauce goodness later. Drain them but let a little water cling; that extra moisture helps loosen the sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

While the noodles cook, grab a large nonstick pan and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Add your super-finely minced onion and the garlic, and sauté on medium heat. You’re looking for soft, see-through onions and that irresistible garlicky fragrance.

Step 3: Make the Sauce Base

In a bowl, blend together milk and cottage cheese until the mixture is completely smooth no lumps in sight! A stick blender or small food processor is perfect for this. Blend in the flour next, ensuring it’s totally incorporated.

Step 4: Cook and Thicken

Pour your blended sauce into the pan with onions and garlic. Stir constantly; the magic happens fast! In about 2-3 minutes, the sauce will thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Lower the heat, sprinkle in all your glorious white cheddar cheese, and keep stirring. In moments, you’ll see the sauce turn creamy and golden.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Tip your drained pasta into the pot with the sauce. Mix thoroughly so every twist and turn is coated with cheese. Taste and add salt, pepper, and parsley as you like.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

This mac is best enjoyed fresh and piping hot, with a sprinkle of parsley or even a drizzle of hot sauce.

How to Serve

This mac and cheese stands out all on its own, but it also plays nicely with other dishes. Serve it as the main event, or as the creamy centerpiece at any meal.

• Main Dish: Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted broccoli for balance.
• Side: Pairs beautifully alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted veggies at a family dinner.
• For Kids: Add a side of apple slices or simple steamed peas for a complete meal.

Garnish with extra white cheddar shavings or fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are just as tasty! Place any cooled mac and cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, then microwave in short bursts or warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently for even creaminess.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is the kind of recipe you’ll keep close, ready to whip together whenever you need a bowl of pure comfort. Fast, foolproof, and endlessly customizable, this dish delivers all the cheesy satisfaction you crave with a lighter, modern twist. Whether you stick to the original or make it your own, there’s no better way to bring a little joy and a lot of flavor to your weeknight table. Give it a try and make it your new comfort classic!

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