1-First Step: Preheat and Cook the Pasta Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, which gives it time to reach the right temperature while you work. Next, cook 1 pound of cavatappi pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes; this ensures the pasta holds up well in the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside, so it doesn’t overcook and become mushy later.

2-Second Step: Prepare the Milk and Roux Warm 4 cups of whole milk to room temperature by letting it sit out or gently heating it on the stove; this helps it blend smoothly into the sauce. In a separate pot over medium-low heat, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter, then whisk in ½ cup of all-purpose flour. Cook this mixture for about 3 minutes to form a roux, which is the base that thickens your white cheddar mac and cheese sauce beautifully.

3-Third Step: Make the Cheese Sauce Gradually whisk the 4 cups of warmed whole milk into the roux, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 5 minutes; if it gets too thick, add a bit more milk for the right consistency. Stir in the 16 ounces of freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and smooth, creating that creamy texture we all love. Season with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for your preferences.

4-Fourth Step: Combine Pasta and Sauce Mix the cooked cavatappi pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is fully coated, making sure the flavors meld together. This step is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a comforting white cheddar mac and cheese. If you’re adapting for dietary needs, like using gluten-free pasta, swap it in here for the same results.

5-Fifth Step: Prepare the Topping For the herbed breadcrumb topping, pulse 6 slices of white sandwich bread with 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning in a food processor until it forms fine crumbs. This adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy base of your white cheddar mac and cheese, and you can skip it if you prefer a smoother dish.

6-Final Step: Bake and Serve Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread the breadcrumb topping evenly over it, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown. Once it’s done, let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes before serving to avoid burns and let the flavors set. For variations, like making it vegan, serve it right away without baking to keep that creaminess intact. Enjoy your white cheddar mac and cheese with loved ones, perhaps paired with veggies for a complete meal.