Mama's Mac Recipe
Make Mama's Mac 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
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil Water
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt.
- 2
Cook Pasta
Add the macaroni pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 3
Drain Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Cheese Sauce Preparation
- 4
- 5
Make Roux
Once the butter is melted, add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- 6
Add Milk
Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- 7
Incorporate Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low. Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 4 oz of softened cream cheese to the mixture. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
- 8
Combine and Bake
- 9
Mix Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is well coated.
- 10
Prepare Topping
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tsp of paprika.
- 11
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the mac and cheese.
- 12
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.