Description
Experience the irresistible flavor of White Mac and Cheese, featuring creamy white cheddar, tender cavatappi pasta, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces cavatappi pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3 cups white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed, about 20 crackers)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook cavatappi in salted water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in half and half and evaporated milk until smooth; heat until thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and white cheddar until melted.
- Fold in cooked pasta, transfer to baking dish, and top with more cheese if desired.
- Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over mac and cheese; bake for 15 minutes until golden.
Notes
For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta and flour with gluten-free options.
Adding sautéed onions or cooked bacon can enhance flavor.
Make ahead and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 60mg