Mac N' Cheese Recipe
Make Mac N' Cheese Recipe in just 55m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Cheese Sauce
Crunchy Topping (optional)
Method
Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- 1
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook until very al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions), usually 7–8 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and set pasta aside.
- 2
Make the roux
In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Once foaming, add 4 tbsp all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden (cooked flour taste).
- 3
Add milk and cream
Slowly pour in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream while whisking to prevent lumps. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5–7 minutes.
- 4
Season the sauce
Stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 5
Finish with cheeses
Reduce heat to low. Add 2 oz softened cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Gradually add 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded Gruyère in small handfuls, stirring until each addition melts and the sauce becomes glossy and smooth. If sauce is too thick, whisk in up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- 6
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently fold until pasta is evenly coated. Cook together over low heat for 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to marry. Remove from heat.
Crunchy Topping (optional) & Bake
- 7
Prepare topping
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp grated Parmesan, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Mix until crumbs are evenly moistened.
- 8
Assemble and bake
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a 9x13-inch baking dish (or an ovenproof skillet). Smooth the top, then evenly sprinkle the panko mixture over the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling. For a deeper brown crust, broil on high for 1–2 minutes while watching closely.
- 9
Rest and serve
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce set slightly. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired, then serve warm.