Print

Creamy One-Pot White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

creamy one-pot white cheddar mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pot mac and cheese recipe featuring sharp white cheddar melted directly with pasta for a creamy, comforting dish ready in 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (about 200 grams)
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk (600 ml)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 42 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (15 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or mustard powder

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 cups (1 quart) of water to a boil in a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt, then stir in the elbow macaroni. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pasta is just shy of al dente, about 7 minutes.
  2. Drain most of the water, leaving about ½ cup (120 ml) in the pot to help with the sauce. Set aside the rest.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add unsalted butter to the pot with the reserved pasta water. Once melted, sprinkle in all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a smooth paste without browning.
  4. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen.
  5. Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in shredded sharp white cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until cheese fully melts into the sauce, making it creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Add the drained pasta back into the cheesy sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece. Heat on low for 1-2 minutes if needed to warm through, but avoid boiling to prevent cheese separation.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with a light dusting of smoked paprika or fresh herbs.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and creaminess. Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water or milk as needed. Avoid overheating after adding cheese to prevent separation. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute milk and flour accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, one-pot, white cheddar, creamy, quick dinner, comfort food, easy recipe

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/creamy-one-pot-white-cheddar-mac-and-cheese-recipe-in-20-minutes-easy-and-perfect/