Stove-Top White Cheddar Cheese Mac and Cheese

White cheddar mac and cheese in an orange bowl.

Stove-Top White Cheddar Cheese Mac and Cheese

Less than 30 minutes stands between you and some of the creamiest, tastiest White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. And this stove top version is quick and easy to make, its a perfect side dish for a busy weeknight or cozy night in.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 241kcal

Author Lea Ann Brown

Equipment

1 3-4 Quart Dutch Oven or sauce pan

Ingredients

2 Cups Elbow macaroni
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 Tablespoons All-purpose flour
1 Cup Milk
1 (healthy) Cup White cheddar cheese shredded. About ½ of a 7 ounce block of Dubliner White Cheddar Cheese.
½ Cup Water from cooked pasta
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard or ¼ teaspoon mustard powder

Instructions

Using a Dutch oven or large sauce pan, cook elbow macaroni according to package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the water the pasta was cooked in.
While the pasta is draining, using the same pan, melt the butter. Add flour and stir for two minutes.
Slowly add the milk and stir constantly until thickened. Add in the drained macaroni. Add the grated white cheddar cheese and stir until it melts. Stir in the Dijon mustard until blended. Use the pasta water to bring to consistency that you like.
Taste and add salt if necessary. Cheese can be salty, and the pasta water also adds salt. I like to sprinkle with a little freshly ground pepper to add color.

Notes

Tips for Success:

- Use room temperature ingredients. Let the milk set out for 30 minutes. The warmer the milk, the quicker the roux will thicken.

- Grate your own cheese: Buying pre-grated cheese in bags contain ingredients to keep cheese from clumping. Grating cheese from a block of cheese will give you a creamier and quicker melting experience.
- The easiest way to grate cheese is with an old-fashioned box grater, using the large holes. You can also use a food processor with a grater attachment.
- This recipe can easily be doubled.

Nutrition