Creamy Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Make Creamy Macaroni & 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
Breadcrumb Topping (optional)
Method
Pasta
- 1
Boil pasta
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook uncovered until just shy of al dente (about 8 minutes; check package for timing). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 2
Drain
Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water, then drain the macaroni in a colander. Do not rinse. Set pasta and reserved water aside.
Cheese Sauce
- 3
Make roux
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted and foaming, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 60–90 seconds until the raw flour smell is gone and the mixture is pale golden (do not brown).
- 4
Add milk and cream
Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream in a steady stream while whisking to avoid lumps. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (small bubbles at the edge), whisking frequently. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
- 5
Season sauce
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Taste and adjust seasoning; remember cheese will add saltiness.
- 6
Melt cheeses
Remove the sauce from heat. Gradually add 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded Gruyère (if using), adding a handful at a time and stirring until each addition is melted and fully incorporated. If sauce is too thick, whisk in up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 7
Combine with pasta
Return drained macaroni to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and fold gently until all pasta is coated evenly. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
Breadcrumb Topping (optional) & Finish
- 8
Prepare topping
In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, and 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley. Stir until crumbs are evenly moistened.
- 9
Assemble and bake (optional)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a 9x9-inch or similar baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the surface. Bake for 12–15 minutes until topping is golden and sauce is bubbling around the edges. For a browner top, broil on high for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
- 10
- 11
Serve
Let baked dish rest 5 minutes before serving to set slightly. Garnish with a little extra grated Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.