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
Cheese Sauce (Roux + Milk)
Cheeses
Topping (optional)
Method
Pasta
- 1
Boil pasta
Bring a large pot of water (about 4-5 liters) to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon coarse salt. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook uncovered until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions, typically 7-8 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.
Cheese Sauce (Roux + Milk)
- 2
Make the roux
In a medium heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once foamy, add 4 tablespoons flour and whisk continuously for 1.5–2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and loses its raw flour smell but does not brown.
- 3
Add milk and cream
Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream in a steady stream to prevent lumps. Increase heat to medium-high and continue whisking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4–6 minutes. Do not let it boil hard; a gentle simmer is fine.
- 4
- 5
Melt in cheeses
Reduce heat to low. Remove the sauce from direct heat (or keep on the lowest setting) and add cheeses in two additions: first 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup Gruyère, whisking until fully melted and smooth. Then add the remaining cheeses (1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup Gruyère plus 1 tablespoon Parmesan) and stir until silky. If the sauce is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach a creamy consistency.
- 6
Finish sauce
If the sauce seems grainy or oily, take off heat, whisk briskly, and add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to bring it together. Keep warm.
Combine and Bake
- 7
Combine pasta and sauce
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking with a topping. In a large mixing bowl or in the pot used for pasta, combine drained macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat evenly. If the mixture seems dry, add up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until desired creaminess.
- 8
Transfer to baking dish
Transfer the mac & cheese to a 2-quart (or similar size) ovenproof baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- 9
Prepare topping (optional)
If using topping: in a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika until coated. Sprinkle evenly over the mac & cheese and press lightly so it adheres.
- 10
Bake
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes until sauce is bubbly and topping is golden. For a browner crust, place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
- 11
Rest and serve
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with a light dusting of extra Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley if desired.