Header shot of a bowl of white cheddar and lavender mac and cheese. There's also some fresh lavender sprigs to the left of the bowl.

Stovetop White Cheddar and Lavender Mac and Cheese

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Now that I’m typing this it seems absolutely wild, but I realized recently that I don’t have a mac and cheese recipe on here. I guess the way I saw it, there are a ton of amazing mac and cheese recipes out there already. Did I really need to throw another basic one into the ring? (No shade against basic mac and cheeses – it just felt unnecessary.) But I always knew that the day would come. I was just waiting for the right mac and cheese idea to pop into my head. Well, my friends, that day is here. But instead of something basic, I’m serving up a recipe for white cheddar and lavender mac and cheese.

Why lavender mac and cheese?

For my birthday this year, my husband surprised me with a fancy floral themed charcuterie plate. One of the cheeses he tracked down was a lavender white cheddar, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It was absolutely magical. I actually have a potatoes au gratin recipe with white cheddar and lavender that was inspired by that cheese. After making that, however, I just knew I needed to make a mac and cheese with the same combo. So here we are.

Where do I get lavender?

If you can’t find dried lavender at your local grocer, buy it online! I bought this bag off Amazon and it works great.

Note: the above link is an affiliate link. That means that if you click through and make a purchase, I’ll earn a small commission at no cost to you. Don’t worry, though. I actually use and like this product and I so appreciate your support!

Walk me through the process of making this white cheddar and lavender mac and cheese.

You’re about to be thrilled by how simple this recipe is. I thought about making this a baked mac and cheese. I do love a bubbly cheese crust. But you know what I love more? A meal that comes together quickly and with very little fuss. For that reason, I opted for a fully stovetop mac and cheese recipe.

To make it, simply cook your pasta per the instructions on the box and then make a roux in a large saucepan. Add the salt, pepper and dried lavender and stir to combine. Slowly pour in your milk while stirring. Then, add the cheese, one handful at a time, continuing to stir as you go. Once you’ve added all the cheese, adjust salt and pepper to taste. Finally, mix in your cooked pasta, making sure to coat it all with cheesy goodness. And that’s it. So easy, right?!

How many people will this serve?

That depends on whether you’re serving it as a full meal or a side. If you’re serving it as a meal, I’d say it should serve 6-8 people. If you’re serving it as a side, however, it’ll serve far more!

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Stovetop White Cheddar and Lavender Mac and Cheese

Course dinner, Side Dish
Keyword blue cheese, lavender and white cheddar, mac and cheese, white cheddar and lavender, white cheddar and lavender mac and cheese
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Pasta (I like shells, but use whatever short pasta you'd like!)
  • 3 tbsp Butter (Unsalted)
  • 3 tbsp All purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 3 cups Milk
  • 2 tsp Dried lavender
  • 14 oz Aged white cheddar (Thickly grated)

Instructions

  • Cook pasta per the instructions on the box. When it's al dente, drain and set to the side.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Then add flour and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  • Add the salt, pepper and lavender and stir to combine. Then slowly pour in the milk, stirring as you pour. Cook until it comes to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  • Add the cheese, one handful at a time, stirring after each handful.
  • Once all the cheese has been incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy, add more salt and pepper to taste and then mix in the cooked pasta, stirring to coat. Serve immediately.

If you make this white cheddar and lavender mac and cheese, I hope you love it. Either way, let me know what you thought in the comments or on Instagram! I always love hearing from you and seeing your glorious creations.

If you’re looking for more simple veggie meals, check out my herby zucchini and halloumi fritters or my rigatoni alla vodka with burrata and basil. And if you’re planning your Thanksgiving menu and are looking for sides, check out my vegan colcannon with garlic confit or my chopped kale salad with apricots, farro and garlic vinaigrette.

1 thought on “Stovetop White Cheddar and Lavender Mac and Cheese”

  1. Pingback: Our Current Favorite Pasta Dishes for Spring and Summer - Cooking With Wine Blog

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