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White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

A comforting and creamy mac and cheese made with rich white cheddar cheese that elevates this classic dish to new heights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta This spiral macaroni holds sauce beautifully.
Cheese Sauce
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Use high-quality butter for a richer flavor.
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour This will be your base for the creamy béchamel sauce.
  • 4 cups whole milk Warm this up before adding to your sauce.
  • 16 ounces white cheddar cheese, freshly grated Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Enhances the overall flavor; adjust to taste.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Don't skip seasoning; it’s vital!
Breadcrumb Topping
  • 6 slices white sandwich bread Creates an irresistible crumb topping.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted This binds the crumb topping.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For added flavor in crumbs.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning Blends well with the creamy cheese.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large pot of salted water, boil the cavatappi until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Warm the milk in the microwave for about 2 minutes until at room temperature.
Making the Sauce
  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium-low heat.
  2. Gradually stir in the flour using a whisk until no lumps remain. Cook for about 3 minutes until golden.
  3. Slowly whisk in the warmed milk until thickened, about 5-8 minutes.
  4. Stir in the grated white cheddar until completely melted. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Fold in the cooked cavatappi until well-coated with the cheese sauce.
Baking
  1. Pulse the breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a food processor until crumbly.
  2. Transfer the cheesy pasta to a greased baking dish and spread the breadcrumb mixture on top.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and edges are bubbly.
  4. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, save some cheese to sprinkle on top before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.