Macaroni And Cheese Recipe
Make Macaroni And Cheese Recipe in just 35m. 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 (optional)
Method
Pasta
Cook pasta
Bring 6 cups water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tsp salt and the 1.5 cups elbow macaroni. Stir occasionally and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes (follow package for exact timing). Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Cheese Sauce
Make a roux
In the same pot or a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbs unsalted butter over medium heat. Once foaming subsides, add 3 tbs all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and smells slightly nutty but not browned.
Add milk
Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat until it thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
Season sauce
Whisk in 1/2 tsp dry mustard, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add cheese
Lower heat to low. Remove the sauce from direct heat and gradually stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded mild cheddar (if using), a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. If sauce is too thick, whisk in up to 1/4 to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired creaminess is reached.
Combine with pasta
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold to coat evenly. Warm together over low heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring, so pasta absorbs some sauce. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Topping (optional)
Prepare topping
If using a breadcrumb topping, preheat the oven broiler or preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbs melted butter, 2 tbs grated Parmesan, and 1/4 tsp paprika; mix until evenly moistened.
Apply and finish
Transfer macaroni and cheese to a shallow ovenproof baking dish if finishing under broiler. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Broil on high for 2–4 minutes, watching carefully, until topping is golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 8–10 minutes.