Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This 20-minute stovetop white cheddar mac and cheese is creamy, rich, and perfect for weeknight dinners or quick comfort food cravings. Made with sharp white cheddar, butter, and milk, it delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort. No baking required—just cook, stir, and enjoy!

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

elbow macaroniunsalted butterall-purpose flourwhole milksaltblack peppergarlic powderonion powdersharp white cheddar cheese (shredded)parmesan cheese (optional, for extra depth)

directions

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.

For extra richness, stir in a bit of grated parmesan (optional).

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist.

Mix in steamed broccoli or peas for a veggie boost.

Use gruyère or fontina cheese for a more complex flavor profile.

Top with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Add a splash of hot sauce or mustard powder for extra zing.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring until smooth and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, shells, cavatappi, or fusilli work well with the sauce.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.

Why use white cheddar?

White cheddar gives a sharper, more distinct flavor compared to orange cheddar and melts beautifully.

Is this mac and cheese kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, but it’s best fresh. If made ahead, reheat with a bit of milk to restore creaminess.

Can I freeze this?

Not recommended, as the cheese sauce may become grainy when thawed.

What milk works best?

Whole milk provides the richest texture, but 2% can be used in a pinch.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the sauce.

Do I need to use freshly shredded cheese?

Yes, for best results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Conclusion

This stovetop white cheddar mac and cheese is your go-to for quick, creamy, and delicious comfort food. It’s versatile, satisfying, and ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for any night of the week.