Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. This dish features a velvety cheese sauce made from freshly grated white cheddar, delivering rich flavors that elevate the classic mac and cheese experience. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in, it combines simplicity with gourmet flair. The addition of crispy Turkey Bacon bits adds an unexpected crunch, making every bite a delightful experience. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser that everyone will adore, whether served as a main dish or paired with tasty sides.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (or 2 cups milk + 2 cups heavy cream)
- 16 ounces freshly grated white cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Crispy Turkey Bacon bits for topping
Instructions
- Boil pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded white cheddar until smooth. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix in the drained pasta until well-coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with crispy Turkey Bacon bits if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg