Snacks and Appetisers

White Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Brown Butter Breadcrumbs

Name: White Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Brown Butter Breadcrumbs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 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; 2 tbsp salted butter; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; optional - fresh herbs like thyme and sage, or a pinch of dried herbs

4 servings

servings

10 minutes

active time

40 minutes

total time

Start Cooking

Ingredients

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

2 tbsp salted butter

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

optional - fresh herbs like thyme and sage, or a pinch of dried herbs

Directions

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.

Nutrition

Serving Size

Calories

1357 kcal

Total Fat

76 g

Saturated Fat

44 g

Unsaturated Fat

20 g

Trans Fat

1 g

Cholesterol

217 mg

Sodium

1460 mg

Total Carbohydrate

113 g

Dietary Fiber

4 g

Total Sugars

16 g

Protein

55 g