There’s mac and cheese. And then there’s this White Cheddar Mac and Cheese.
It’s so creamy and deliciously good that you won’t believe it comes together in less than 30 minutes.
A four-cheese blend of white cheddar, mozzarella, Asiago, and Parmesan is whisked together with heavy cream and milk until decadently melty. Pour it over al dente pasta shells and stir until the creamy cheese sauce coats every nook and cranny.
Make it as a quick weeknight meal or side dish (or late-night snack). This Stovetop White Cheddar Mac n Cheese will not disappoint. It’s hassle-free, doesn’t require a roux, and uses a blend of four white cheeses that will make your heart happy. ❤️
Why KJ Loves
I love how creamy and dreamy this Mac n cheese is! The white cheddar gives it just enough drama and flare to set it apart from regular Mac – perfect for any occasion!
The Best Mac & Cheese For Every Occasion
When I think of mac and cheese, I immediately think of comfort food. It’s a household staple that delivers instant joy.
Have a bad day? Mac n cheese.
Need a quick meal that everyone will love? Mac n cheese.
Have a good day? Mac n freaking cheese.
See? There’s just no way around it! 🙂
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Ingredients
Shredded cheeses
I recommend a combo of white cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Asiago cheese. For best results, avoid the pre-bagged stuff, as it contains preservatives that can mess with the texture (but if you need to save time, don’t stress too much about it).
Heavy cream
Milk
Salt & pepper
Medium pasta shells
You could use other types of pasta, but I think the medium pasta shells hold the gooey cheese the best!
(Seriously) Easy Directions
In a large saucepan over low heat, pour in the heavy cream and milk.
Slowly bring to a low simmer, about 5-10 minutes.
Shred all cheese with a grater or in a food processor. Then, whisk in the shredded white cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Asiago cheese and slowly bring back up to a low simmer and allow to thicken slightly (about 10 minutes).
Important Tip: Don’t let the cream actually boil — it will separate!
Season the sauce with the salt and pepper.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and add the cooked shells into the cheese mixture and toss to coat completely.
Bon appetit!
Ways to Serve White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
With the extra depth of flavor each of these four white cheeses brings, you don’t really need anything else.
But, if you’re game to try another recipe out too, add some Braised Cranberry Balsamic Chicken on top. It’s an amazing combo.
Here are some other ideas for toppings:
- Bacon bits
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Grilled chicken
- Toasted panko bread crumbs
- Fresh spinach
For sides, serve a nice and comforting roasted vegetable, like Roasted Broccolini or Easy Roasted Asparagus. Or go for the extra carbs with Super Simple Garlic Bread.
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese FAQ
How do you reheat mac n cheese?
If you’re reheating an individual portion, you can easily microwave it, stopping to stir it so the pasta reheats evenly. You can also reheat larger portions in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Can you freeze stovetop mac and cheese?
Yes! Let the dish cool down and transfer it to an airtight freezer container. You’ve got dinner ready for another night!
How do you doctor up white cheddar mac and cheese?
To doctor up white cheddar mac, sprinkle on some bacon bits, chopped fresh herbs, or toasted panko bread crumbs. You could also top it with grilled chicken, fresh spinach, or even roasted vegetables. For a combo made in heaven, top it with Braised Cranberry Balsamic Chicken.
What cheese goes well with white cheddar?
Mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Asiago cheese complement the white cheddar in this dish perfectly and add some extra dimension.
Does this mac and cheese need to be baked?
This is a no-bake white cheddar mac.
Does this mac and cheese need a roux?
Nope! This is a no-roux white cheddar mac and cheese.
White Cheddar Mac n Cheese
(12 votes, average: 3.92 out of 5)
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- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Stovetop White Cheddar Mac n Cheese is so creamy and deliciously good that you won’t believe it comes together in under 30 minutes. Four different kinds of cheeses, like white cheddar, mozzarella, asiago and parm, are whisked together with heavy cream and milk until decadently creamy. Pour it over al dente cooked pasta shells and stir until the creamy cheese sauce coats every nook and cranny. A simple side dish that is irresistibly good.
Ingredients
- 4 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Asiago cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 16 oz medium pasta shells
Instructions
- In a large sauce pan over low heat, pour in the heavy cream and milk. Slowly bring to a low simmer, about 5-10 minutes. Whisk in the shredded white cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan and Asiago cheese and slowly bring back up to a low simmer and allow to thicken slightly, about 10 minutes, being careful to never let the cream boil as it will separate. Season with the salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add the cooked shells into the cheese mixture and toss to coat completely. Enjoy!
Notes
- Any medium pasta shape will work, but shells are my favorite because they hold the cheesy sauce perfectly!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Hi, I’m KJ!
Here you’ll find simple, delicious recipes for the home cook. I strive to make wholesome meals with easy-to-find ingredients that you feel comfortable making in your own kitchen—but I won’t shy away from a few indulgences! (I see you: butter, bacon, cookies!)
