Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that has been enjoyed by generations. While the classic version features a rich, yellow cheddar sauce, today we're exploring a delightful twist on this timeless dish: White Macaroni and Cheese. This creamy, indulgent variation uses a blend of white cheeses to create a Panera copycat mac and cheese with an irresistible flavor that will have your taste buds singing with joy. The even better part of this alfredo style mac and cheese it is all done in one pot on the stovetop.
I regularly get asked to make my white spaghetti noodles as a side dish for dinner. So now I have the white macaroni and cheese. If you have tried my alfredo sauce recipe or chicken and broccoli tortellini, then you know the core of this recipe, cream cheese and Italian cheeses. For this stovetop mac and cheese recipe, you do nothave to bake it but if you like a breadcrumb topping for your mmac and cheese, you can bake this recipe too.
Jump to:
Ingredients for White Macaroni and Cheese
Here are the ingredients you need to make the creamiest white Mac and cheese that will taste like Alfredo Mac and cheese.
- elbow macaroni
- reserved pasta water
- butter
- milk
- heavy cream
- cream cheese
- Italian cheeses
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- garlic salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions - How to make Stovetop Mac and Cheese
Begin by bringing a Dutch oven filled with water to boil. Then begin boiling the water and cook the pasta.
When the pasta is cooked, reserve one cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta. Pour the drained pasta with the butter back into the pot.
Stir the pasta and butter together to melt the butter, then add the pasta water to the pasta along with the cream cheese, shredded cheese, and milk to make the cheese sauce right with the noodles.
When the cheese is melted add more parmesan cheese and the garlic salt. Hit it with cracked pepper too.
Stir to incorporate. Add milk a quarter cup at a time until the consistency you like. Serve the white macaroni and cheese immediately after all cheese is melted.
This stovetop mac and cheese is always a hit and so easy to make. Plus only one pan to clean up. Now, if you like a baked mac and cheese, pour this into a baking dish and top with one cup of breadcrumbs with two tablespoons of melted butter stirred into it.
Hint: For a thicker sauce, make a roux with the butter, flour, and the reserved pasta water and milk before adding the pasta back to the pan. Use 3 tablespoons of butter and flour and whisk together and then slowly add the milk and water, totaling 3 cups total.
Substitutions for Mac and Cheese
There are several substitutions you can make in this White Macaroni and Cheese recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Pasta:
- Use any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or cavatappi instead of elbow macaroni.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas.
- Milk and cream:
- Substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative like unsweetened almond, soy, or oat milk for a lighter version.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or additional milk for a less rich sauce.
- Cheeses:
- Experiment with different white cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Havarti instead of Italian cheese blends.
- For a sharper flavor, incorporate some aged white cheddar or extra Parmesan.
- Use a vegan cheese alternative to make the dish dairy-free.
Remember that making substitutions may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the final dish, so adjust the seasonings and ratios accordingly to achieve your desired result.
Variations to White Mac and Cheese
There are numerous variations you can try to give this White Macaroni and Cheese recipe a new twist. Here are some ideas:
- White Cheddar Mac and Cheese: Substitute shredded white cheddar cheese for the Italian cheeses for a white cheddar macaroni and cheese.
- Four Cheese Mac and Cheese: Use a combination of four cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Gouda, and Monterey Jack, for an extra cheesy and flavorful dish.
- Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese: Add diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) to the sauce for a spicy macaroni and cheese.
- Bacon and Caramelized Onion Mac and Cheese: Cook and crumble some bacon, and caramelize sliced onions. Mix these into the macaroni and cheese before serving.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Mix in blue cheese crumbles, shredded cooked chicken, and buffalo sauce into the macaroni and cheese.
See this smoked macaroni and cheese recipe you can make on your BIg Green Egg or smoker.
Equipment
Get my favorite Dutch oven and pasta for this stovetop mac and cheese from my shopping list.
Storing Leftover Mac and Cheese
The mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30 second incraments. Add a splash of milk if the pasta seems dry.
Top tip for Making Creamy Mac and Cheese
Do not overcook the pasta, if anything undercook the pasta by a minute or two. Once the cheese is beginning to be stirred into the pasta, shut off the heat to the stove. The cast iron of the Dutch oven will retain heat and allow the cheese to melt. This will help keep the pasta from cooking further and keep the pasta creamier.
FAQ
White mac and cheese is made with any white cheese. Many use white chedddar, but for a more mild white cheese, mozzarella, havarti, gouda, and parmesan can be usedd in white macaroni and cheese.
Garlic salt is my go to seasoning. Dry mustard is also a good compliment to the white mac and cheese.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
- Sweet Macaroni Salad - Old-Fashioned Creamy Pasta Salad with Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Cold Spaghetti Pasta Salad
- TikTok Spaghetti Recipe
- Homemade SpaghettiOs
Pairing with your favorite Grilled Meats
These are my grill recipes that always pair perfectly with pasta:
- Smoked Honey Garlic Wings
- Delicious Grilled Baby Potato Kabobs Recipe
- Pickle Brined Grilled Chicken
- The Best Grilled Pork Chops Dry Rub Recipe
📖 Recipe
White Macaroni and cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 Cup pasta water
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 2-3 teaspoons garlic salt
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mlik
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 2 cups Italian Cheese Blend
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt and pepper
Instructions
- Bring a Dutch oven filled with water to boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve a cup of water before draining off when pasta is cooked.
- In a large dutch oven, add the pasta and butter stirring to allow melting of the butter. Then add the reserved water, cream, milk, cream cheese, and cheeses. Remove from heat. Stir until melted.
- Season with garlic salt and pepper.
- Add more milk if more liquid is needed.
Nutrition
- Mini Turkey Pot Pies that Rescue Your Thanksgiving Leftovers - December 8, 2024
- Traditional 7-Layer Salad Recipe with Peas and Hard-Boiled Eggs - November 18, 2024
- Cake Mix Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting - November 17, 2024
Megan Jahraus
I can't wait to try this - I made a different version of copycat panera mac&cheese for my picky eater and it failed miserably. This looks easier and super tasty!