• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Life As A Strawberry
  • About
  • Recipe Index
  • Bread Class!
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Bread Baking
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Bread Baking
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Mac and Cheese

    White Cheddar Avocado Mac and Cheese

    Published: Dec 4, 2012 · Last Updated: Jan 14, 2023

    Jump to Recipe

    A simple avocado mac and cheese recipe with creamy avocado white cheddar sauce. Ready in 30 minutes. Vegetarian.

    This post contains affiliate links: if you buy something we'll earn a small commission at no cost to you.

    Like this recipe? Don't miss Mac and Cheese 101!

    Avocado mac and cheese in a shallow white bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro. this recipe

    It's Day #2 of MAC AND CHEESE WEEK (aka the best idea I've ever had in the history of ever).

    Today, it's white cheddar avocado mac and cheese for the win!

    Avocado, cilantro, and lemon juice being blended into a thick paste in a food processor.

    There are three main components here:

    1. Delicious, al dente pasta (my personal favorite = these cavatappi noodles)
    2. An easy-peasy creamy avocado sauce with garlic and cilantro
    3. A quick white cheddar cheese sauce

    And BAM! Creamy, colorful avocado mac and cheese at your service.

    A quick mac and cheese primer

    There are two main styles of macaroni and cheese: The French-leaning version builds a creamy sauce using a basic stovetop béchamel sauce (a flour-and-butter base - called a roux - with lots of milk). Southern mac and cheese is typically baked and sometimes features eggs or evaporated milk in addition to a blend of cheeses and seasonings.

    The "right" way to make mac and cheese is different for everyone. Our mac and cheese recipes have plenty of riffs and mix-ins, and they lean towards the French style: excellent right off the stovetop or baked with breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top.

    Pasta in a light green avocado sauce sitting in a dark pot.

    The creamy avocado pasta sauce we're using here means there's a little less milk and cheese than usual in this mac and cheese recipe, which is perfect if you're trying to eat less dairy (or, y'know, just eat MORE avocados).

    The result is an ultra-creamy, slightly green-tinted (but, like, in a GOOD way) mac and cheese that's sure to be a hit.

    I love the mellow flavor of the white cheddar in this recipe highlights the delicate, buttery avocado, but you could use just about any cheese you like here. Pepper jack is a good choice for an extra kick, or you could sub in some gruyere, goat cheese, cream cheese, or parmesan to mix it up a bit.

    Add some shredded chicken for extra protein or toss in any veggies you have on hand to make this a little heartier - this is a great "blank canvas" recipe to get you started!

    Aerial view of a shallow white bowl filled with avocado mac and cheese.

    Don't forget to check out the rest of our macaroni and cheese week lineup below, and be sure to stop by Mac and Cheese 101!

    Avocado mac and cheese in a shallow white bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro.
    Print
    clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
    Avocado mac and cheese in a shallow white bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro.

    White Cheddar Avocado Mac and Cheese

    ★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews
    • Author: Jessie
    • Prep Time: 10 mins
    • Cook Time: 30 mins
    • Total Time: 40 minutes
    • Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
    • Category: Pasta
    • Cuisine: Italian-American
    • Diet: Vegetarian
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Easy, creamy avocado mac and cheese with a simple white cheddar avocado pasta sauce.


    Ingredients

    Scale

    FOR THE PASTA:

    • ¾ lb. pasta (I love cavatappi)

    FOR THE AVOCADO SAUCE:

    • 2 large avocados, peeled and pitted
    • 1 cup fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish (optional)
    • 1 clove garlic
    • 2 Tbsp. lime juice
    • salt and pepper to taste

    FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE:

    • 2 Tbsp. butter
    • 3 Tbsp. flour
    • 1.5 cups milk
    • 1.5 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    FOR THE PASTA:

    1. Cook pasta according to recipe or package directions until al dente (I always cook pasta in very salty water – it brings out the flavor of the pasta).

    FOR THE AVOCADO SAUCE:

    1. Combine all avocado sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender.
    2. Pulse to break up the ingredients, then use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and pulse again until you have a thick, creamy sauce. Set aside.

    FOR THE CHEESE SAUCE & ASSEMBLY:

    1. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat.
    2. Whisk flour into the butter to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
    3. Whisk milk into roux a little at a time until you’ve worked out all the lumps. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture has thickened, about 6-8 minutes.
    4. Whisk avocado sauce into milk mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until sauce has thickened again.
    5. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in white cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until cheese has melted.
    6. Add pasta to sauce and toss until pasta is evenly coated.
    7. Top mac and cheese with fresh cilantro (optional) and serve immediately.

    Notes

    If you have an especially large food processor, you may have to scrape down the sides a few times or add an extra bit of lime juice to help the blades bring the mixture together more quickly.

    Use extra shredded cheddar cheese if you like!

    Add any protein or veggies you have on hand to make this a heartier meal.

    Mix up the cheeses if you like - pepper jack, goat cheese, gruyere, and parmesan are all tasty additions to this recipe.

    This recipe was recently updated to include new photos and more streamlined instructions.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size:
    • Calories: 815
    • Sugar: 7.7 g
    • Sodium: 1604 mg
    • Fat: 41.4 g
    • Carbohydrates: 85 g
    • Protein: 28.6 g
    • Cholesterol: 66.1 mg

    Keywords: pasta, macaroni and cheese, side dish

    Tag @lifeasastrawberry on Instagram to show us what you're cooking! Nutrition information is calculated per serving; it is approximate and will vary based on many factors.

    DON'T MISS THE REST OF THESE MACARONI AND CHEESE WEEK RECIPES!

    Jessie's Famous Spicy Mac and Cheese

    Macaroni and cheese in a cast iron skillet.

    Beer Mac and Cheese

    Beer Mac and Cheese Recipe

    White Cheddar Arugula Pesto Mac and Cheese

    Arugula Pesto Mac and Cheese Recipe

    Hard Apple Cider Mac and Cheese. With Bacon.

    Hard Apple Cider Mac and Cheese Recipe

    SaveSave

    SaveSave

    More Mac and Cheese Recipes

    • White Cheddar Arugula Pesto Mac and Cheese
    • Spicy Mac and Cheese
    • Spinach Havarti Mac and Cheese
    • Hard Apple Cider Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon

    I'm Jessie, and I like to talk about food. Tag your recipes #LifeAsAStrawberry on social media to share your creations! Learn about our team!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Reader Interactions

    Discussion

    1. Carrie

      August 11, 2022 at 8:42 pm

      Can you make this the night before? Will the avacado turn black?

      Reply
      • Team Life As A Strawberry

        August 14, 2022 at 11:28 am

        Yes! This mac and cheese should be fine to make ahead! The avocado is diluted enough in the sauce that it doesn't brown.

        Reply
    2. Jess

      June 29, 2021 at 3:23 pm

      I made this the other night after getting a wisdom tooth out as a soft meal for me to eat post-op (was getting tired of soup, yogurt and mushed bananas after 3 days), and it was PERFECT. I added a bit of shredded chicken and used fresh parsley instead of cilantro (because it was all I had), but it still tasted amazing and was great! Thank you so much for this recipe! Cant wait to make it again 🙂

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Team Life As A Strawberry

        June 30, 2021 at 2:09 pm

        YIPPEE! We're so glad this mac and cheese helped you feel better!

        Reply
    3. Megan

      April 14, 2019 at 1:22 am

      This is so tasty! I mixed some cotija cheese in right before serving, that’s the only thing I changed. Definitely going to keep this recipe in mind when avocados are plentiful!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Jackie @ Life As A Strawberry

        April 28, 2019 at 11:20 pm

        Hi Megan, great addition! Thank you!

        Reply
    4. Jetty

      January 21, 2015 at 9:53 am

      Jessie. They all sound and look great even for company

      Reply
    5. Kristen

      July 19, 2013 at 11:07 pm

      I've made this twice now and it's so delicious! Seems to go over very well every time. I absolutely love your site (and your enthusiasm for cheese). Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Jessie

        July 19, 2013 at 11:46 pm

        I'm so glad you like it! Thanks!

        Reply
    6. Debra

      June 06, 2013 at 1:13 pm

      So you don't bake this mac & cheese at all?

      Reply
      • Jessie

        June 09, 2013 at 8:46 pm

        I didn't bake it for this recipe, but you absolutely could if you're craving a crunchy mac-and-cheese crust! I'm usually too lazy to wait for my mac and cheese to bake, so I eat it right away 🙂 If you want to bake it, I'd add a little bit more milk to the sauce (it will reduce in the oven) and undercook the pasta by two minutes, then top with herbs and bread crumbs (or more cheese, up to you)!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Jessie standing in a kitchen lifting a fork full of pasta.

    I'm Jessie, and I like to talk about food. On this website, you'll find well-tested recipes and tutorials to help you make weeknight comfort food you're proud of.

    Learn More →

    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Easy Crusty French Bread (VIDEO)
    • How to Make a Cheese Plate (with step-by-step photos!)
    • 30 Minute Creamy Chicken Spinach Pasta
    • Butterless Chocolate Chip Cookies with Coconut Oil
    • Easy Creamy Mushroom Sauce
    • Cupcakes 104: How to Store and Freeze Cupcakes (With Video!)

    Easy Winter Recipes

    • Crusty Cranberry Pecan Bread (No Kneading)
    • Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Dried Cranberries and Goat Cheese
    • Instant Pot Short Ribs with Red Wine
    • Mushroom Spinach Lasagna
    • Easy Jalapeño Cheese Bread in a Dutch Oven (no kneading!)
    • Small Batch Crusty Bread

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    ABOUT US

    • Meet Our Team
    • Contact
    • FAQ
    • Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility

    RESOURCES

    • Subscriber Resource Library
    • Meal Planning Resources
    • Sustainability Resources
    • Social Responsibility
    • At The Table Podcast
    • Everyday Artisan Bread Course

    RECIPES

    • Recipe Index
    • Homemade Bread
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Meal Ideas

    JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST!

    Life As A Strawberry logo
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    1% for the Planet logo

    About - Recipes - Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2012-2023 LIFE AS A STRAWBERRY