Small Tray Of Mac & Cheese Recipe
Make Small Tray Of Mac & Cheese Recipe in just 1h . 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 & Finish
Method
Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- 1
Preheat and prepare pasta
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a small rectangular baking tray (about 9x13 inches or an equivalent small catering tray). Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook 1 minute less than package directions so the pasta is just under al dente (usually 7–8 minutes). Drain and return to the pot briefly to keep warm.
- 2
Make the roux
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. When foam subsides, add 6 tablespoons flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste without browning it.
- 3
Add milk and cream
Slowly pour in 4 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream in a thin stream while whisking to avoid lumps. Increase heat to medium-high and continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken and comes to a gentle simmer, about 4–6 minutes.
- 4
Season and finish sauce
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of nutmeg, 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Add the shredded cheeses — 3 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup medium cheddar, and 1 cup grated Parmesan — in small handfuls, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning; add a little more salt or pepper if needed.
- 5
Combine pasta and sauce
Pour the drained hot pasta into the cheese sauce and gently fold until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too loose, simmer 1–2 minutes to thicken; if too thick, stir in 1–2 tablespoons milk. Transfer the mac and cheese into the prepared small tray and smooth the top with a spatula.
Topping & Finish
- 6
Prepare topping
In a small bowl combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (if using). Stir until crumbs are evenly moistened.
- 7
Top and bake
Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese. Place the tray on a rimmed sheet pan to catch any bubbles and bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- 8
Broil for extra color (optional)
If you want a more deeply browned crust, set the oven to broil on high for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning—until the top has desired color.
- 9
Rest and serve
Remove from the oven and let rest 5–10 minutes to set. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.