Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Make Macaroni & Cheese Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Toppings (optional)
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil the Macaroni
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and 2 cups of macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- 2
Drain the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.
Making Cheese Sauce
- 3
Prepare the Roux
In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour until smooth, cooking for about 1 minute until bubbly.
- 4
Add Milk
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
- 5
Incorporate Cheese
Once the mixture is simmering, reduce the heat to low and gradually add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- 6
Season the Sauce
Add 0.5 tsp of salt, 0.25 tsp of black pepper, and 0.5 tsp of paprika. Stir well to combine.
Combining and Baking
- 7
Mix Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is well coated.
- 8
Prepare for Baking
If desired, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with 0.5 cups of bread crumbs and 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese for added crunch.
- 9
Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the macaroni and cheese for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Serving
- 10
Serve Hot
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and then serve hot. Enjoy your creamy macaroni and cheese!