Prepare to revolutionize your mac and cheese experience with this mind-blowing Zesty White Mac Cheese that will make your taste buds dance! Forget boring, bland pasta dishes - this creamy, tangy recipe transforms the classic comfort food into a gourmet masterpiece that'll have everyone begging for seconds. With its rich white cheddar sauce and hint of Dijon mustard, this mac and cheese isn't just a side dish - it's the star of the show that will elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes smooth and slightly foamy.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Allow the milk to warm up and become slightly steamy, but do not let it boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the Dijon mustard, stirring to incorporate fully into the milk mixture.
- Slowly add the shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly in a colander, shaking to remove excess water.
- Pour the hot cheese sauce over the drained macaroni, stirring gently to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Let the mac and cheese sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- • For the creamiest sauce, use freshly shredded white cheddar cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese • Make sure to stir the cheese sauce continuously to prevent burning and ensure a smooth texture • Use whole milk for a richer, more luxurious sauce • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of nutmeg to the cheese sauce • Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after mixing to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the pasta perfectly • For a crispy top, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
