Mac N Cheese Recipe
Make Mac N Cheese Recipe in just 35m. 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 (optional)
Method
Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- 1
Cook pasta
Bring 4 cups of water and 1 tsp salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 3 cups elbow macaroni and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- 2
Make roux
In the same pot over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted and foamy, add 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes a pale golden paste and the raw flour smell is gone.
- 3
Add milk and seasonings
Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 4–6 minutes). Whisk in 1 tsp dry mustard, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
- 4
Finish cheese sauce
Reduce heat to low. Add 2 cups grated sharp cheddar and 1 cup mild cheddar in small handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth. If using, whisk in 2 tbsp cream cheese for extra creaminess. If sauce seems too thick, add up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tbsp at a time, to reach desired consistency.
- 5
Combine pasta and sauce
Fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Keep over low heat for 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to marry, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Topping (optional)
- 6
Prepare topping
Preheat oven broiler to medium-high (if you plan to brown the top). In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp melted butter, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Toss until crumbs are evenly coated.
- 7
Brown topping
Transfer macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe dish if not already in one. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Place under the broiler 4–6 inches from the heat for 1–3 minutes, watching closely, until the crumbs are golden brown. Remove and let rest 2–3 minutes before serving.
- 8
If you prefer not to broil, simply sprinkle the topping on the hot mac n cheese and serve immediately.