Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Make Macaroni & Cheese Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Topping
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 8 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 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 used for the pasta, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 cup of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden, creating a roux.
- 4
Add Milk
Gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk to the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Add Cheese
Reduce heat to low, then add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded gouda cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- 6
Season the Sauce
Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon of paprika to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine.
Combining and Baking
- 7
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
- 8
Prepare Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 0.5 cup of grated parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- 9
Bake the Macaroni & Cheese
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the macaroni and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- 10
Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade macaroni & cheese!