Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

We’ve made a lot of mac and cheese over the years, but this one? Oh, it’s something special. We’ve tested, tasted, and tweaked this Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe to make sure it’s the closest thing to Chili’s White Cheddar Mac and Cheese you can make at home.

Chili’s White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a creamy pasta dish made with elbow macaroni, a smooth white cheddar cheese sauce, and a seasoned breadcrumb topping baked until golden.

Wanna know how to make it just right? Keep reading-we’ll show you every single step, plus tips to make it taste just like the real deal.

What Does Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Taste Like?

Chili’s White Cheddar Mac and Cheese offers a rich, creamy experience with a hint of spice. The sharp white cheddar provides a bold, tangy flavor that’s perfectly balanced by the smooth, velvety texture of the sauce.

Cream cheese adds an extra layer of creaminess, making each bite indulgent. The subtle heat from cayenne pepper and optional fresh jalapenos adds a delightful kick, elevating the traditional mac and cheese into a more sophisticated dish.

Topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb and cheese crust, it delivers a satisfying contrast in texture, making it a memorable comfort food with a spicy twist.

Ingredients Required for Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this

• 2 cups of milk
• 4 ounces of cream cheese
• 4 tablespoons of butter
• 8 ounces of sharp white cheddar, shredded
• ¼ cup of all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Cayenne pepper, to taste
• Cooked macaroni noodles
• Fresh jalapenos, sliced (optional for extra spice)
• Bread crumbs
• Additional shredded cheese for topping

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Baking dish
• Cast iron skillet
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes

How to Make Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese 

Simply follow the steps given below to make your Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese at home

1. Prepare the Roux
Start by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once fully melted, gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Continue whisking until the roux turns a golden-orange color, indicating it’s cooked.

2. Make the Sauce
Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk, constantly whisking to prevent lumps and sticking. Add in the 4 ounces of cream cheese. It may take some time, but the warmth of the milk will help melt the cream cheese completely. Lower the heat to prevent the sauce from burning. Gradually add the shredded 8 ounces of sharp white cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to taste.

3. Combine the Sauce and Macaroni
Mix the cooked macaroni noodles into the sauce, ensuring every noodle is well-coated. For an added spicy twist, toss in some sliced fresh jalapenos.

4. Prepare for Baking
Grease a baking dish and spread the macaroni mixture evenly. In a separate bowl, combine bread crumbs with additional shredded cheese to create a topping mixture. Sprinkle this evenly over the macaroni.

5. Bake the Mac and Cheese
Cover the dish with aluminum foil, poking a few holes to allow the dish to breathe. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes.

6. Create the Golden Crust
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the top forms a golden, crispy crust.

Serve and Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving. The result? A creamy, spicy, and utterly delicious mac and cheese that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

1. Add Protein: Mix in cooked bacon, grilled chicken, or crumbled sausage for a hearty, protein-packed version.

2. Vegetarian Twist: Stir in roasted vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

3. Seafood Delight: Enhance the dish with shrimp or lobster for a luxurious seafood mac and cheese.

4. Spicy Boost: Increase the heat by adding more jalapenos, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

5. Gourmet Topping: Swap traditional breadcrumbs for panko or crushed crackers for an extra crispy topping.

Some Tips on This Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

1. Use Fresh Cheese: Grate your own sharp white cheddar for the best melting and flavor; pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.

2. Low Heat for Cheese: Add the cheese slowly over low heat to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.

3. Stir Constantly: Whisk continuously while making the roux and adding milk to avoid lumps.

4. Season Gradually: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and cayenne to your liking.

5. Al Dente Pasta: Cook macaroni just until al dente; it will continue cooking in the oven.

6. Cream Cheese Clumps: Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding it to the sauce to help it melt more easily.

7. Even Crust: Combine breadcrumbs and cheese thoroughly for a uniform, crunchy topping.

8. Baking Vessel Choice: Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution and a beautiful crust.

9. Rest Before Serving: Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.

10. Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently in the oven to maintain the creamy texture.

How to Store and Reheat Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese

To store Chili’s White Cheddar Mac and Cheese, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, to avoid drying out. Add a splash of milk for extra creaminess if needed.

Common Queries on This Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Chilis White Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe that people often ask.

1. What cheese makes the best mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar, gouda, gruyere, and mozzarella are popular choices for a creamy, flavorful mac and cheese.

2. What cheese goes well with white cheddar?

Gruyere, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack complement white cheddar, adding depth and richness to the dish.

3. Does Cheetos mac and cheese need milk?

Yes, Cheetos mac and cheese typically requires milk to achieve the creamy consistency of the sauce.

4. What is the best way to store mac and cheese?

Store mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

5. Can I freeze Chili’s White Cheddar Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can freeze it. Store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

6. How can I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Use low heat and gradually add the cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously to prevent graininess.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute for the roux.

8. What can I use instead of cream cheese?

Mascarpone or a mixture of heavy cream and sour cream can be used as a substitute for cream cheese.

9. How do I reheat mac and cheese without it drying out?

Add a splash of milk and reheat in the oven covered with foil or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently.

10. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese, cover it, and refrigerate it before baking. Bake when ready to serve for a fresh, hot dish.

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