Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLumen8 Rooftop SocialMac 'n' Cheese Recipe

Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Make Mac 'n' 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

Toppings (optional)

Method

Cooking the Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil the Water

    In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat.

  2. 2

    Cook the Pasta

    Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes.

  3. 3

    Drain the Pasta

    Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

  1. 4

    Melt the Butter

    In the same pot, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

  2. 5

    Make the Roux

    Add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to the melted butter, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux.

  3. 6

    Add Milk

    Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until smooth and bring to a simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes.

  4. 7

    Add Cheese and Seasonings

    Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 0.5 tsp of salt, 0.25 tsp of black pepper, 0.5 tsp of garlic powder, and 0.5 tsp of mustard powder. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combining and Serving

  1. 8

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.

  2. 9

    Prepare Toppings (optional)

    If using, mix breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese together in a small bowl.

  3. 10

    Serve or Bake

    For a baked version, transfer the mac 'n' cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Otherwise, serve immediately.

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