White Mac and Cheese
Imagine a moment: the comfort of creamy pasta envelops your senses, with the rich aroma of melted white cheddar wafting through the kitchen, inviting you to indulge. The velvety sauce clings lovingly to every twist of cavatappi, glistening with a buttery Ritz cracker topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s more than a meal; it’s a warm embrace at the end of a long day.
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For me, White Mac and Cheese evokes memories of cozy family dinners and laughter echoing against the walls. It’s that dish I always yearned for when the temperatures dipped, perfect for holiday gatherings or those chilly winter evenings when all you need is a little comfort on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for a joyous celebration or a simple weeknight meal, this dish guarantees smiles and satisfied bellies. Let’s get started and whip up a batch that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can have your cozy dinner ready in just about 40 minutes, including prep and cook time.
- Irresistible Flavor: Imagine the rich, cheesy goodness dancing on your taste buds with every bite of that creamy sauce.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: With its luscious sauce and buttered cracker topping, it’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, casual dinners, or even lunch—the creamy goodness works anytime!
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap in gluten-free pasta and dairy alternatives if needed to cater to dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds the sauce beautifully. Feel free to substitute with elbow macaroni or another pasta shape you love.
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to your cheese sauce. Salted butter also works, but watch the added salt.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This helps thicken the cheese sauce, giving it that mouthfeel we crave.
- 2 cups half and half: A delightful balance of creaminess without being too heavy. You could use whole milk in a pinch.
- 1 cup evaporated milk: Contributes to the creamy texture without the cloying sweetness—regular milk can be a substitute here, though the flavor may vary slightly.
- 3 cups white cheddar cheese (shredded): The star of the show! Always opt for freshly shredded cheese for the best melting qualities.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle hint of flavor that complements the cheese nicely.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, but taste and adjust as necessary.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A little spice adds depth; go easy if you’re sensitive to pepper.
- 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed, about 20 crackers): These tiny gems create a buttery, crunchy topping that ties everything together.
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): This is mixed with the cracker crumbs for a crispy top.
How to Make White Mac and Cheese
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. While the oven warms up, grab a 9 x 13 baking dish and give it a light spritz of nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure the melting cheese and buttery topping don’t stick, making serving a breeze.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, fill it with water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the cavatappi and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes around 7-9 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, letting it sit in the warm pot to keep cozy while you focus on the sauce.
Make the Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour, whisking until smooth and bubbly, around 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in the half and half and evaporated milk while whisking continuously. Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes; it should coat the back of a spoon.
Add the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese, mixing until it melts into a creamy blend. The aroma is simply irresistible—it’s the moment you’ve been waiting for! Feel free to toss in sour cream here, if using, for extra richness.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Now it’s time to bring it all together. Add the cooked cavatappi into the cheese sauce, and gently toss until every piece is thoroughly coated in that creamy goodness. You might want to taste at this point and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Transfer & Top: Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. If you’re feeling cheesy, add some extra shredded cheese on top. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle it over the pasta. This will create that crunchy top we all love.
Bake Until Golden: Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown. The wait is the hardest part, but the heartwarming aroma wafting through your home will make it worth it!
Storing & Reheating
To store any leftovers of your White Mac and Cheese, let it cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 4-5 days. If you need to save some for later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You might find that the sauce thickens a bit when cooled, so consider adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy goodness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid clumping cheese by using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that may not melt perfectly.
- Make sure to whisk constantly while adding milk to avoid lumps; a thick and lump-free sauce is key to that velvety texture.
- Keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different; you want bubbly edges and a crispy top but don’t let it dry out.
- Consider jazzing it up with extras—think cooked bacon, scallions, or roasted broccoli that can add texture and flavor.
- For make-ahead convenience, prepare everything up to the baking step, cover, and store in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking.
Relish the creamy richness and indulge in the delightful crunch that this White Mac and Cheese offers. Each bite is a journey filled with nostalgia and comfort food satisfaction. Don’t hesitate to add your own twist or favorite ingredients into the mix—finding your perfect blend of flavors can be half the fun. Enjoy every cheesy forkful, and make it a cherished tradition at your gatherings or quiet nights in.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! While white cheddar is the star here, you can experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend for added flavor complexity. Just be sure to use cheese that melts well for the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, this recipe is inherently vegetarian since it doesn’t include meat. Ensure you check the ingredients in any added components like crackers or extras to confirm they’re vegetarian-friendly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. It’s super convenient for busy weeknights or holiday meals.
How can I make this dish lighter?
You can switch out half and half for a lower-fat milk or use a light alternative cream. You could also reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter sauce, though the flavor may change slightly.
More Breakfast Recipes
- Cinnamon Raisin Hot Cross Buns (Make-Ahead Easter Rolls)
- Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cheesecake
- Valentine Breakfast Sliders
- Asparagus and Gruyere Quiche | Easy Spring Breakfast
- Healthy Easy Orzo Lemon Salad
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📖 Recipe Card
White Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This White Mac and Cheese blends creamy white cheddar with cavatappi pasta, creating an irresistible comfort food that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3 cups white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed, about 20 crackers)
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish.
- Cook cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour; gradually add half and half and evaporated milk.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cook until thickened; then add cheese until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce and adjust seasoning.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish; top with crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter.
- Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
For the creamiest texture, use freshly shredded cheese.
Consider adding extras like cooked bacon or broccoli for added flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
