Trader Joes Unexpected Cheddar Recipe

This creamy, savory Trader Joes Unexpected Cheddar Recipe is made with pasta, milk, and butter and ready in 30 minutes. Pulling the spoon out reveals strings of melted cheese that smell faintly of aged parmesan. I make this every time I grab a block from the store.

Why This Classic Works

I used to just eat this cheese with crackers until I realized it makes the most incredible cheese sauce. The parmesan notes give it a deep, complex flavor that regular cheddar lacks.

I learned the hard way that you must grate the cheese yourself rather than trying to melt chunks. Buying the block and shredding it ensures a perfectly smooth sauce every time.

Trader Joes Unexpected Cheddar Recipe Ingredients

• 8 oz dried pasta (macaroni or cavatappi)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 block (7 oz) Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar, freshly grated
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

How To Make Trader Joes Unexpected Cheddar Recipe

1. Boil the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions, then drain.
2. Make the roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for one minute.
3. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture bubbles and slightly thickens.
4. Melt the cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated unexpected cheddar, pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Combine and serve: Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until completely coated, then serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Grate it yourself: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that ruin the smooth texture of the sauce.
• Remove from heat: Always take the pot off the stove before adding the cheese so it melts gently without separating.
• Save pasta water: Keep a splash of the starchy water to thin out the sauce if it gets too thick while sitting.

What To Serve With Mac and Cheese

A crisp green salad balances out the richness of this heavy pasta dish perfectly. Roasted broccoli or steamed green beans also make great sides to complete the meal.

How To Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use the shredded version of this cheese? Yes, Trader Joe’s sells a shredded version, but the block melts much smoother for sauces.

Can I bake this recipe? You can transfer it to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375F for 15 minutes.

Does this cheese actually taste like cheddar? It tastes like a sharp cheddar crossed with aged parmesan, giving it a unique savory bite.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45g
• Protein: 18g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Tortellini Soup Recipe
• Quick Trader Joes Gyoza Soup Recipe
• Trader Joe’s Chicken Soup Dumplings Recipe

Trader Joes Unexpected Cheddar Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

30

minutes

Trader Joes Unexpected Cheddar Recipe creates a creamy, savory sauce packed with pasta, milk, and butter in just 30 minutes. This quick dinner staple is incredibly easy to make on busy weeknights and guarantees empty bowls every single time.

Ingredients

• 8 oz dried pasta (macaroni or cavatappi)

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk

• 1 block (7 oz) Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar, freshly grated

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

• 1. Boil the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions, then drain.
• 2. Make the roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and cook for one minute.
• 3. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture bubbles and slightly thickens.
• 4. Melt the cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated unexpected cheddar, pepper, and garlic powder.
• 5. Combine and serve: Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until completely coated, then serve immediately.