Mama's Mac Recipe
Make Mama's Mac 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
Toppings
Method
Pasta Preparation
- 1
Cook the macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cheese Sauce
- 2
Make a roux
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until it forms a paste and turns slightly golden.
- 3
Add milk
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Incorporate the cheeses
Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 4 oz of cream cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- 5
Season the sauce
Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper, 0.5 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 0.5 teaspoon of onion powder to enhance the flavor. Mix well.
Combine and Bake
- 6
Combine macaroni and sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
- 7
Prepare for baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
- 8
Add toppings
In a small bowl, mix 0.5 cups of breadcrumbs, 0.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- 9
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.