Stovetop Mac and Cheese with White Cheddar Recipe
This creamy stovetop mac and cheese with white cheddar is a quick and comforting one-pot meal that combines three types of cheese for a rich, decadent flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it features tender elbow pasta cooked directly in the sauce and an optional crispy panko topping for added texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups water
- 4 cups milk
- 1 pound elbow pasta, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Optional Panko Topping
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Cook Flour: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly to create a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Slowly pour in the water while whisking continuously until smooth. Add the milk and whisk to combine everything evenly for a creamy base.
- Add Pasta and Seasonings: Stir in the uncooked elbow pasta, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the sauce.
- Add Cheeses: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sharp white cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses until they melt completely and the sauce is creamy.
- Prepare Panko Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the panko mixture, and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls and sprinkle the toasted panko topping on top if using. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- The Cheese: Nearly 5 cups of cheese is used for a creamy and decadent mac and cheese; feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties to change the flavor.
- Panko Topping: This crunchy topping is optional but highly recommended for texture contrast. Regular breadcrumbs can substitute panko if needed.
- Storage: Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce, stirring until smooth.
- Freezing: Freeze the mac and cheese without the panko topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with extra milk.
