Go Back
+ servings
a frying pan filled with cheesy macaroni and cheese.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 888kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a cheesy, easy recipe that covers all the bases: it's made in one pan, it's full of cheesy flavor, and it couldn't be easier to make. This skillet mac and cheese recipe makes 8 servings, so don't be afraid to share it with the whole family!
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 5 tablespoons salted butter (⅝ stick)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk room temperature
  • cups heavy cream room temperature
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • 12 ounces dry elbow macaroni
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 4 cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese

For the Topping

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted (⅛ stick)
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup freshly chopped chives

Instructions

  • Heat the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
    5 tablespoons salted butter
    a frying pan with oil in it.
  • Whisk in the flour and stir while cooking for 1 minute.
    ½ cup all-purpose flour
    fried eggs in a frying pan with a fork.
  • Whisk in the milk, cream, and wine slowly, one cup at a time, whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer.
    3 cups whole milk, 2¾ cups heavy cream, ¼ cup white wine
    a frying pan with a white liquid in it.
  • Quickly add the macaroni, Dijon, and salt and pepper, stirring constantly while cooking, about 6 minutes, or until al dente. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan while you cook.
    12 ounces dry elbow macaroni, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    macaroni and cheese in a frying pan.
  • Turn off the heat and stir in the cheese. I stirred in about half at a time to make sure none spilled over the sides.
    4 cups freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
    a frying pan full of mashed potatoes with a wooden spoon.
  • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, breadcrumbs, and parmesan.
    1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    a bowl of rice on a white surface.
  • Pour the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese and broil for 2 minutes or until they are golden and toasted. Top with the chives and serve hot.
    ¼ cup freshly chopped chives
    a frying pan with flour in it.

Video

Notes

  • This Skillet Mac and Cheese wasn't an intentional knockoff of Panera's Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, but it sure does taste like it. It was a happy accident that I'm more than thrilled with! 
  • If the pasta becomes too dry or the sauce thickens too much, thin it with additional milk.
  • Use room temperature milk and cream to prevent curdling.
  • Shred the cheese by hand if possible for the best flavor and texture.
Storage: Store white cheddar mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 888kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 63g | Saturated Fat: 38g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 188mg | Sodium: 955mg | Potassium: 401mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 2289IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 650mg | Iron: 2mg