Mac And Cheese Recipe
Make Mac And Cheese Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce (Roux + Milk)
Cheeses
Topping (optional)
Method
Pasta
Boil pasta
Bring 6 cups water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Stir in 2 cups elbow macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente (about 7-8 minutes; check package for exact time). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Cheese Sauce (Roux + Milk)
Make roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once foaming but not browned (about 1 minute), add 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the raw flour smell is gone and the roux is pale golden.
Add milk and seasonings
Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, adding a little at a time to avoid lumps. Increase heat slightly and bring mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 4–6 minutes). Stir in 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce if using. If sauce becomes too thick, whisk in up to the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.
Add cheeses
Remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually add the cheeses: 2 cups grated sharp cheddar and 1 cup grated Gruyère (or mozzarella), stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
Combine and Bake (or Stove Top Finish)
Combine pasta and sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot or transfer to a 9x9-inch (or similar) baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and gently fold to combine, ensuring all pasta is evenly coated.
If using a topping, preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Optionally sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon Parmesan over the top.
Bake or serve
For a baked finish: place baking dish in preheated oven and bake until topping is golden and sauce is bubbly, about 15–20 minutes. For a stove-top finish: simply heat assembled mac and cheese over low heat for 2–3 minutes to warm through and serve immediately. Garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley before serving.