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Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

This white cheddar mac and cheese recipe is a creamy pasta dish made with a smooth white cheese sauce instead of the usual yellow cheddar sauce. It has a richer, slightly sharper flavor and a silky texture that feels more gourmet.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 19 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course / Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 250 grams Elbow macaroni Or any short pasta
  • 2 cups White cheddar cheese Freshly grated
  • 1 cup Whole milk Room temperature
  • 1 cup Heavy cream For richness
  • 2 tbsp Butter Unsalted
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour For thickening
  • ½ tsp Salt Adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
  • ¼ tsp Garlic powder Optional but recommended
  • 4 strips Bacon optional For bacon variation

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot For boiling pasta
  • 1 Saucepan For cheese sauce
  • 1 Whisk Prevents lumps
  • 1 Wooden spoon For stirring
  • 1 Grater For fresh cheese
  • 1 Colander To drain pasta

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until just al dente. You don’t want it too soft because it will cook slightly more in the sauce.Drain it and set it aside. Don’t rinse it — that starch helps the sauce stick better.
Step 2: Make the Base (Roux)
  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk continuously.Keep whisking for about 1–2 minutes. It should look slightly golden but not brown.
Step 3: Add Milk and Cream
  1. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps.Then add the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for 3–4 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
  1. Lower the heat. Add the grated white cheddar gradually, stirring continuously.The sauce should become smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a splash of warm milk.
Step 5: Season It
  1. Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust if needed.This is where the flavor really comes together.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
  1. Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece is coated.If adding bacon, stir in crispy chopped bacon now.
Step 7: Serve Warm
  1. Serve immediately while hot and creamy. Mac and cheese thickens as it cools.

Notes

Use freshly grated white cheddar for the smoothest sauce.
If the sauce thickens too much, just stir in a little warm milk before serving.