White Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Brown Butter Breadcrumbs

A close-up of a serving spoon in a pot of creamy white cheddar mac.

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Brown Butter Breadcrumbs

This creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! It's easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and topped with brown butter toasted breadcrumbs. You'll turn to this recipe for special occasions and quick weeknight dinners alike - it's the best macaroni!

Course Main Course

Cuisine Comfort Food, Dinner Recipes

Keyword Easy Mac and Cheese, Stovetop Mac and Cheese

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Servings to 6 servings

Calories 1357kcal

Author Stephanie Simmons

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

18 ounces white cheddar cheese Buy blocks and grate it yourself!
1 lb pasta of your choice
6 tbsp salted butter
1/3 cup + 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Brown Butter Breadcrumbs

2 tbsp salted butter
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
optional - fresh herbs like thyme and sage, or a pinch of dried herbs

Instructions

Make the Brown Butter Breadcrumbs: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, and add a handful of fresh herbs (optional) while it browns. It will brown in just a few minutes - be sure to stir the whole time. Once the butter is a deep golden brown color, add the breadcrumbs and stir to combine. Toast, stirring, for a few minutes until the panko is browned. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
Prep: Shred your cheese (this can be done up to a day or two ahead). Cook your pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
Make the White Cheddar Sauce: Melt the butter in a large dutch oven over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until it's combined and no lumps remain. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid any lumps. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring lazily, to thicken. See photos above for reference - it should coat the back of a spoon, and hold a trail when you drag your finger across the back of the spoon. Season with the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the grated cheese, a few handfuls at a time, stirring until completely melted before adding more cheese. This will help ensure a smooth sauce. Once the cheese is all added, stir in the pasta. Taste the mac and cheese and add additional seasonings as desired.
Serve + Store: Serve immediately with plenty of brown butter breadcrumbs on top! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Add a splash of milk when you reheat to revive the creaminess.

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