Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
Make Baked Mac & Cheese 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
Pasta Preparation
- 1
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cheese Sauce Preparation
- 2
Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and whisk together until smooth. Cook for about 1 minute.
- 3
Add Milk
Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while continuing to whisk. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens and is smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
- 4
Add Cheeses and Seasoning
Reduce the heat to low. Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 4 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Stir until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combine and Bake
- 5
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- 6
Prepare Topping
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of bread crumbs, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter until well combined.
- 7
Assemble the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the topping mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
- 8
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- 9
Serve
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious baked mac & cheese!