Mac & Cheese Recipe
Make Mac & Cheese Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Finish
Cheese Sauce
Topping (optional)
Method
Pasta & Finish
- 1
Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water (about 1 tablespoon salt per 4 liters) to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook until 1 minute shy of package directions (about 7-8 minutes for al dente). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.
- 2
Combine pasta with sauce
After preparing the cheese sauce (next section), return the drained pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tablespoons butter, 1.5 cups milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce. Stir to combine. Add the cheese sauce and gently fold until pasta is evenly coated. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water 1-2 tablespoons at a time to reach desired creaminess.
- 3
Prepare for baking (optional)
Transfer the coated pasta to a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similarly sized casserole. If not baking, you may serve immediately. For a baked top, proceed to the Topping section and then bake.
Cheese Sauce
- 4
Make a roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once foamy, add 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1.5–2 minutes until the mixture smells slightly toasty and the raw flour taste is gone, but do not let it brown.
- 5
- 6
Finish the sauce with cheese
Reduce heat to low. Off the heat (or on the lowest setting), add 3 cups grated sharp cheddar, 1 cup grated Gruyère, and 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan in small handfuls, stirring steadily until each addition melts and the sauce is smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard and 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Topping (optional)
- 7
Make topping
In a small bowl, combine 0.75 cups panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley until crumbs are moistened and evenly coated.
- 8
Top and bake
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the prepared macaroni in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until topping is golden and sauce is bubbling, about 20–25 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.