Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsSaltine RestaurantMac & Cheese Recipe

Mac & Cheese Recipe

Inspired by Saltine Restaurant
Time45m
Serves4

Make Mac & Cheese Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Pasta

Topping

Method

Cooking Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil the Pasta

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Making Cheese Sauce

  1. 2

    Prepare the Roux

    In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is golden brown.

  2. 3

    Add Milk

    Gradually add 2 cups of milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  3. 4

    Incorporate Cheese

    Reduce the heat to low and add 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of mustard powder.

Combining Ingredients

  1. 5

    Mix Pasta with Cheese Sauce

    Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine, ensuring that all pasta is coated evenly.

Baking

  1. 6

    Prepare Topping

    In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 0.5 teaspoon of paprika.

  2. 7

    Bake the Mac & Cheese

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

More from Saltine Restaurant