Mac & Cheese Recipe
Make Mac & Cheese Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Toppings (optional)
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil Water
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of salted water to a boil over high heat.
- 2
Cook Pasta
Add the macaroni pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.
- 3
Drain Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Making Cheese Sauce
- 4
- 5
Make Roux
Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
- 6
Add Milk
Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- 7
Add Cheese and Seasonings
Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, and 0.5 teaspoon of paprika. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combining and Serving
- 8
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
- 9
Optional Toppings
If desired, mix 0.5 cup of breadcrumbs and 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese together and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- 10
Bake (Optional)
For a baked version, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with the breadcrumb mixture, and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
- 11
Serve
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade mac and cheese!