Mac And Cheese Recipe
Make Mac And Cheese Recipe in just 55m. 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
- 1
Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes (check package for timing). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.
Cheese Sauce (Roux + Milk)
- 2
Make roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the raw flour smell cooks off and the mixture turns a pale golden color (do not brown).
- 3
Add milk and cream
Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook until it thickens slightly, about 4–6 minutes; the sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- 4
Season sauce
Lower heat to low. Whisk in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 5
Melt in cheeses
Remove the saucepan from heat. Gradually add the shredded cheeses: 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup Gruyère, and 1 cup finely grated Parmesan. Add the cheeses in small handfuls, stirring each addition until fully melted and smooth. If sauce seems too thick, whisk in reserved pasta water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Combine & Bake
- 6
Assemble
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl or directly in a 9x13-inch baking dish, combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to evenly coat the pasta. Taste and adjust salt/pepper if needed.
- 7
Optional topping
If using a topping, mix 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional). Sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- 8
Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. For a crispier top, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end—watch carefully to avoid burning.
- 9
Rest & serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes to set. Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired.