Print

Creamy Stovetop White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Easy Crispy Topping Recipe

creamy stovetop white cheddar mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy stovetop mac and cheese recipe featuring a creamy white cheddar sauce and a golden crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners without the oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 3 cups finely grated sharp white cheddar cheese (about 12 ounces)
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet or saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until light golden and nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook and whisk until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in grated white cheddar and softened cream cheese until melted and silky. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly. Keep heat low to prevent cheese from separating. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick.
  6. In a small pan, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently until breadcrumbs are golden brown and toasty, about 4-5 minutes. Avoid burning.
  7. Serve mac and cheese in bowls or a dish and sprinkle the warm crispy breadcrumb topping evenly over each portion.

Notes

Do not rush the roux to avoid raw flour taste. Grate your own cheese for better melting. Keep heat low when melting cheese to prevent clumping. Toast breadcrumbs in butter on stovetop for crispy topping without baking. Cook pasta just shy of al dente as it will finish cooking in sauce. Season gradually and taste as you go. For make-ahead, prepare pasta and sauce separately and combine before serving. Reheat gently with splash of milk and add topping fresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, white cheddar, creamy mac and cheese, crispy topping, easy dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://milacook.com/creamy-stovetop-white-cheddar-mac-and-cheese-easy-crispy-topping-recipe/