Mac & Cheese Recipe
Make Mac & 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 and Cheese
Sauce Ingredients
Topping (optional)
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- 2
Drain the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- 3
- 4
Add Flour
Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly.
- 5
Pour in Milk
Slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- 6
- 7
Add Cream Cheese
Reduce heat to low and add 1 cup of softened cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
- 8
Add Cheeses
Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- 9
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
Baking (Optional)
- 10
Prepare Topping
If using, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon of paprika.
- 11
Add Topping
Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
- 12
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- 13
Serve Hot
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade mac and cheese!
