Enjoy every creamy bite of this simple White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. The best part is that it’s ready in under a half hour and made with simple ingredients! A QUICK STOVETOP MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE If you’re looking for an easy‚ creamy side dish for your weeknight meal‚ this White Cheddar Mac and Cheese should be at the top of your list! It comes together so fast and easily on the stovetop and it features tender pasta with a fresh‚ creamy‚ smooth sauce that you’ll fall in love with and will want to make with every meal! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Can I use different cheddar cheese? Absolutely! This recipe is delicious with pretty much any creamy style cheese. Orange cheddar or American or Gouda all work great. Can I use different pasta? Sure! I used shells because they’re easy‚ but you can use elbow macaroni or any other small pasta that you prefer. What else can I add? Just like any other macaroni and cheese recipe‚ you can add other things. Try adding in other cheeses‚ add in some small diced veggies‚ maybe try some protein like diced chicken. Or you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top for another fun texture. Can I use freshly grated cheese? Yes‚ and this is always a great idea to use! Preshredded cheese has an agent in the cheese mixture that can make it harder to melt. Freshly shredded cheese melts easier and will make your mac and cheese even more smooth and creamy. How to store white mac and cheese? White Cheddar Mac and Cheese can be stored safely when allowed to cool slightly and placed in an airtight container. If refrigerating‚ it is best to consume within 3-5 days. Can I freeze macaroni and cheese? White cheddar mac and cheese can also be frozen for 1-2 months if kept in an airtight‚ freezer-safe container. When ready to eat‚ allow white cheddar mac and cheese to defrost in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a microwave or on the stovetop. INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE) medium pasta shells – you can use any pasta you enjoy‚ just use the same amounts. salted butter – it needs to be real butter‚ not margarine. all-purpose flour  garlic powder – this is optional. Some folks love seasoning in their mac and cheese and some folks are purists and only want salt and pepper. This is totally up to you. Another option would be to use a little ground mustard instead of the garlic powder to get a more traditional taste. salt and pepper – Even with the salted butter‚ you still need more seasoning. I give amounts below but please season to taste. If you don’t like to see black specs of pepper in your mac and cheese‚ you can use white pepper instead. whole milk – whole milk is going to give you the creamiest macaroni and cheese. You could certainly use 2% but you will always get the best texture and taste with whole milk. white cheddar cheese – you really want freshly shredded here. It will melt the best for you rather than pre shredded. The easiest way to shred these is with a food processor or with a hand crank cheese grater (paid affiliate link). I find it easiest to freeze the cheese for a little bit‚ this hardens it just enough to make it much easier to shred. HOW TO MAKE WHITE CHEDDAR MAC AND CHEESE In a medium/large pot‚ cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Place the empty pot back on the stove and melt the butter on low heat. Whisk in the flour‚ garlic powder‚ salt‚ and pepper. Cook on low heat until smooth and bubbly‚ about 1-2 minutes (continuing to whisk.) Turn the heat to medium and whisk in the milk. Whisk continuously for 3-5 minutes on medium-high heat until the mixture bubbles and the sauce thickens. Turn off the heat and add in the shredded white cheddar cheese and stir until melted through.  Place the drained pasta shells back into the pot and mix thoroughly with the cheese sauce. Serve warm with freshly cracked pepper (optional). CRAVING MORE RECIPES? Crock Pot Mac and Cheese (+Video)No Boil Homemade Mac and CheeseEasy Taco Mac and CheeseAir Fryer Mac and CheeseInstant Pot Sausage Mac and Cheese Print White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Enjoy every creamy bite of this simple White Cheddar Mac and Cheese. The best part is that it's ready in under a half hour and made with simple ingredients! Course Side DishCuisine AmericanKeyword White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Prep Time 10 minutes minutesCook Time 15 minutes minutesTotal Time 25 minutes minutes Servings 6 servings Calories 491kcal Author Brandie @ The Country Cook Ingredients2 cups medium pasta shells (measured uncooked)4 Tablespoons (½ stick) salted butter¼ cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)½ teaspoon salt¼ teaspoon pepper2 cups whole milk3 cups shredded white cheddar cheesefresh black pepper (for garnish‚ optional) InstructionsIn a medium/large pot‚ cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.Place the empty pot back on the stove and melt the butter on low heat. Whisk in the flour‚ garlic powder‚ salt‚ and pepper. Cook on low heat until smooth and bubbly‚ about 1-2 minutes (continuing to whisk so you don't get lumps). Turn the heat to medium and whisk in the milk Whisk continuously for 3-5 minutes on medium-high heat until the mixture bubbles and the sauce thickens.Turn off the heat and add in the shredded white cheddar cheese and stir until melted through. Place the drained pasta shells back into the pot and mix thoroughly with the cheese sauce. Serve warm topped with freshly cracked pepper (optional) Notes Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions. You can store this in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. Reheat on the stovetop (you may need to add a splash of milk).  You can freeze this for up to 1-2 months. Let thaw and then reheat when ready. NutritionCalories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 657mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 932IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 510mg | Iron: 1mg