White Cheddar Sour Cream Mac n Cheese

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Course: Dinner | Servings: 6

White cheddar cheese and sour cream give this mac n cheese a sharp, creamy & tart flavor like nothing else. Broil just before serving for a buttery panko and cheesy lid. Inspired by Panera’s mac n cheese; not so much a copycat as a craving for the saucy white cheese flavor. Sometimes pasta absorbs all the liquid when made in advance; if making ahead, you may wish to add an extra cup of liquid such as milk and sour cream mixed together and poured over just before heating.

4 Tbsp butter

¼ cup flour

1/4 tsp salt

Garlic salt and pepper, to taste

½ tsp dijon mustard

2 cups milk

4 cups white cheddar cheese, grated + extra for topping

2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked

1 cup sour cream

2 tbsp butter

½ cup panko crumbs

In a large sapan, stir butter and flour over moderate heat for 2 minutes. Add seasoning and dijon and stir for a couple of minutes more. Add in the milk and cheese and cook over medium-low heat until the mixture comes together to form a lovely sauce, taste for seasoning, and turn the heat off. Whisk in the sour cream and pour in the cooked and drained pasta.

In a small saucepan, whisk together the panko crumbs with 2 Tbsp butter until golden. Sprinkle over pasta (pour pasta into heat-proof individual dishes first, if desired) and top with extra shredded cheese. Broil until beautiful!