Mac & Cheese Recipe
Make Mac & Cheese Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Cheese Base
Topping (optional, kid-friendly)
Method
Pasta & Cheese Base
- 1
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Add 2 cups elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (usually 7–8 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Make a roux
In the same pot (or a medium saucepan) melt 3 tbs unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 3 tbs all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and pale golden; this cooks out the raw flour taste.
- 3
Add milk and thicken
Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and whisk over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in up to the reserved 1/4 cup pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- 4
Season the sauce
Stir in 1 tsp mustard powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning lightly — for a kids' recipe keep salt moderate.
- 5
Add cheeses
Reduce heat to low. Remove the pot from direct heat and add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded mild cheddar, and 2 tbs cream cheese (if using). Stir gently until cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is grainy or too thick, return to very low heat and whisk slowly, or add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water.
- 6
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold until all pasta is coated evenly. Cook over low heat for 1–2 minutes to marry flavors. If the mixture looks dry, add up to 2–3 tbs reserved pasta water or milk to loosen.
Topping (optional, kid-friendly)
- 7
Prepare topping
Preheat the oven broiler to medium-high if you plan to brown the topping. In a small bowl toss 1 cup plain breadcrumbs with 2 tbs melted butter and 2 tsp grated Parmesan until evenly moistened.
- 8
Assemble and brown
Transfer mac & cheese to an oven-safe dish (or leave in the pot if broiling-safe). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Place under the broiler 4–6 inches from the heat for 2–4 minutes, watching closely, until breadcrumbs are golden brown. Alternatively, for a softer top, simply sprinkle the breadcrumbs and serve without broiling.