cheddars mac and cheese recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best cheddars mac and cheese recipe

I’ve been making Cheddar’s mac and cheese recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. I love how the creamy cheese sauce coats the pasta perfectly, and the crunchy breadcrumbs on top add a nice textural contrast. This recipe is a classic, and it’s easy to see why it’s been a staple in American cuisine for so long.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, even for a busy weeknight dinner. Just mix together some pasta, cheese, milk, and butter, and you’re good to go! My kids devour this dish every time I serve it, and it’s a great way to get them to eat some veggies too – just add some steamed broccoli or carrots on the side.

As a busy mom, I appreciate how this recipe can be made in large batches and reheated throughout the week. It’s also a great way to use up leftover pasta and cheese that might otherwise go to waste. I’ve tried many different mac and cheese recipes over the years, but this one remains my favorite.

It’s comforting, delicious, and perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a family dinner or a special event. And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make from scratch!

Just cook your pasta according to the package instructions, mix it with some melted butter and grated cheddar cheese, then transfer it to a baking dish and top it with more cheese and breadcrumbs before baking until golden brown.

Cheddar’s Mac and Cheese

4.8 from 815 votes

This classic mac and cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and features a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. It’s a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

For the Breadcrumbs

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp butter, melted
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Boil 4 quarts of water in a large pot, add 1 tsp of salt, and cook elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain and set aside.
4In a saucepan, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
5Add flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.
6Gradually add milk to the saucepan, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
7Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
8Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
9Continue to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
10Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing well to ensure the pasta is fully coated.
11Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish.
12In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parmesan cheese.
13Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
14Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
15Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Whisk
Saucepan
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

This Cheddar’s mac and cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a family dinner or a special event.

The leftovers are also incredibly versatile – try reheating them with some steamed broccoli or carrots on top for an easy lunchtime meal.

One of my favorite storage ideas is to freeze individual portions of cooked macaroni mixed with cheese sauce in ice cube trays – simply thaw as needed for a quick meal.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cheddar’s Mac and Cheese

Q1: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A1: For this recipe, I prefer to use macaroni or shells – they hold onto the cheese sauce perfectly. You can also use other types of pasta like elbow mac or rotini if you prefer. Just be sure to cook them until they’re al dente before mixing with the cheese sauce.

Q2: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A2: Yes, you can make this recipe in advance by cooking the pasta and mixing it with the cheese sauce ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight then bake as directed when you’re ready.

Q3: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A3: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian-friendly ingredients like vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Q4: Can I substitute different types of cheese in this recipe?

A4: While cheddar is my go-to cheese for this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella or Monterey Jack if you prefer. Just keep in mind that different cheeses have different melting points so you may need to adjust the amount of milk used accordingly.

Q5: How do I store leftover mac and cheese?

A5: Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to two months. When reheating, be sure to add some extra milk or cream if needed to restore the creamy texture.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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