Name: White Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cavatappi Pasta; Unsalted Butter; All-Purpose Flour; Half and Half; Evaporated Milk; White Cheddar Cheese; Garlic Powder; Salt; Black Pepper; Ritz Crackers; Melted Butter

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With its creamy, velvety white cheddar sauce and a crunchy buttery Ritz topping, this White Mac and Cheese is a dish that not only warms the belly but also wraps you in a blanket of nostalgia. Picture a chilly evening with the aroma of cheesy goodness wafting through the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. The moment you take your first forkful, the rich, buttery sauce envelops the tender pasta, and the satisfying crunch of the Ritz crackers adds the perfect contrast. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, reminding you of special family gatherings and comforting weeknight dinners. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or just a cozy night in, this dish holds a special place in my heart.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make White Mac and Cheese
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
White Mac and Cheese

I still remember the first time I made White Mac and Cheese for my family—everyone’s eyes lit up at the first bite, and I quickly realized I had created a new household favorite. It became our go-to comfort food, never failing to bring smiles and satisfied sighs. You’re just one whisk away from creating this delightful masterpiece, and I can’t wait for you to experience the warmth and joy that comes with every creamy bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just about 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of white cheddar and buttery Ritz crackers creates a delightful flavor explosion.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its bubbly golden top, this dish looks as beautiful as it tastes—perfect for any occasion.
Flexible Serving: Ideal as a side dish for family dinners, potlucks, or just a comforting snack at home.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adjust it to cater to gluten-free or dairy-free needs with the right substitutions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cavatappi Pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds onto that delicious cheese sauce beautifully. If you can’t find cavatappi, elbow macaroni or shells work just as well.

Unsalted Butter: You’ll use this for both the cheese sauce and that crunchy Ritz topping. Opting for unsalted allows you to control the dish’s overall saltiness, so it’s always a win!

All-Purpose Flour: This thickens up your cheese sauce, creating that creamy texture we love. For a gluten-free version, consider using gluten-free flour blends.

Half and Half: A rich combination of milk and cream, it provides that luscious consistency. You can sub it with whole milk for a lighter option, but the creaminess will take a hit.

Evaporated Milk: This adds a depth of flavor and creaminess that regular milk can’t match. For lighter versions, replace it with additional half and half, but oh, that richness is just so hard to give up!

White Cheddar Cheese: The star of our show! Use high-quality shredded cheese for the best flavor. If you prefer a different flavor profile, gouda or a blend of white cheeses would also shine in this recipe.

Garlic Powder: Just a hint of garlic elevates the flavor without overpowering your dish. Feel free to swap in fresh minced garlic if that’s more your style—just sauté it in with the butter!

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors, these seasonings bring everything together. Adjust the amounts based on your personal taste.

Ritz Crackers: These buttery delights form the crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy mac. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, crushed gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs will do the trick.

Melted Butter: This helps combine the crushed Ritz and provides a rich taste when sprinkled on top before baking.

How to Make White Mac and Cheese

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9 x 13 baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so nothing sticks when your cheesy masterpiece is ready to come out of the oven.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil water and cook the cavatappi according to package directions until it’s al dente. This should take about 8–10 minutes, but remember to check for that perfect bite. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse; you want that starch to help the sauce cling.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour until smooth, cooking for another minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the half and half and evaporated milk—this is where the magic happens! Keep stirring until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon and bubbles start to form around the edges.

Add the Flavor: Stir in your garlic powder, salt, and pepper, followed by the shredded white cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until you’re met with a smooth, dreamy mixture that you’ll want to dive right into (but don’t!). Remove from heat immediately to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without clumping.

Combine Sauce and Pasta: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece gets lovingly coated in that silky goodness. It’s a beautiful sight, and you’re almost there! Pour the cheesy pasta into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.

Top and Bake: If you’re feeling extra cheesy, sprinkle more white cheddar on top of the pasta before moving it on to the star of the show—the buttery Ritz cracker topping! Just combine crushed crackers with your melted butter and mix thoroughly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Bake Until Golden: Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The aroma will entice everyone to the kitchen, and once it’s out, let it cool for just a minute before serving up those creamy squares of delight!

Storing & Reheating

To store your White Mac and Cheese, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. Enjoy it within 3–4 days. For long-term storage, transfer it to a freezer-safe container, where it can stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a microwave or in the oven at 350°F until it’s heated through. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, so adding a splash of milk while reheating can help revive that creamy goodness!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta; you want it al dente, so it holds its shape in the baking dish.
Let your cheese come to room temperature before adding it to the sauce—this helps create that smooth, melty texture we crave.
If the sauce seems too thick while cooking, slowly whisk in a bit more milk until it achieves the desired consistency.
For extra flavor, feel free to add in diced cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
This dish can be made ahead! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Don’t be afraid to mix different types of cheese! A touch of mozzarella can add extra gooeyness, while a bit of Parmesan can bring a bite of sharpness.

Enjoy the creamy, cheesy delight of your White Mac and Cheese as a side or a main course. This dish is not just comfort food; it’s a warm invitation to get cozy, gather around the table with loved ones, and savor every bite. Feel free to try your hand at personalizing it; after all, cooking is as much about creativity as it is about deliciousness. Your taste buds will thank you!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese besides white cheddar?

Absolutely! While white cheddar is a superstar in this dish, you can experiment with a mix of cheeses like gouda for smokiness, mozzarella for extra creaminess, or even a sharp cheddar for a bit of tang. Mixing cheeses can elevate the flavor profile, so have fun with it!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare White Mac and Cheese up to the point of baking. Just cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, remove the cover and bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I freeze leftover mac and cheese?

Yes! Once it has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive its creamy texture.

What can I serve with White Mac and Cheese?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It also makes a delightful addition to holiday tables, providing a comforting balance to richer main courses.