White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

Name: White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 package (16 ounces) small pasta shells; 1/2 cup butter, cubed; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 cups 2% milk; 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese; 2 cups shredded Manchego or additional white cheddar cheese

Total Time Prep/Total Time: 25 min.

Yield 8 servings

Test Kitchen Approved

Here's a recipe for white cheddar mac and cheese that's better than any box. The secret: Add a dash each of garlic powder and chipotle powder for a savory kick.

Ingredients

1 package (16 ounces) small pasta shells
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 cups 2% milk
2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Manchego or additional white cheddar cheese

Directions

In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain; return to pot.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and seasonings until smooth; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir until thickened, 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheeses until melted. Add to pasta; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 650 calories, 35g fat (22g saturated fat), 101mg cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.

My mac and cheese is simple and has lots of flavor from the cheeses and ground chipotle chile. I use conchiglie pasta because its shape allows more melted cheese to pool inside. Yum! —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

Recipe Creator