Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Make Macaroni & Cheese Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Base
Cheese Sauce
Topping (optional)
Method
Pasta & Base
- 1
Cook the pasta
Bring 6 cups water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Stir in 1 tsp salt and add 1.5 cups elbow macaroni. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente (typically 8–9 minutes; check package). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Cheese Sauce
- 2
- 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 over medium-low heat. Add 1 tsp dry mustard, 0.75 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/8 tsp nutmeg. Simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4–6 minutes.
- 4
Melt in the cheese
Reduce heat to low. Remove the sauce from direct heat or keep on the lowest setting. Add 2 cups grated sharp cheddar and 1/2 cup mild cheddar or Monterey Jack in small handfuls, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in up to 2–4 tbs of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.
- 5
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold to coat evenly. Warm together for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs some sauce. If serving immediately, transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley if using.
Topping (optional)
- 6
Prepare breadcrumb topping
Preheat the broiler (or oven to 425°F / 220°C if you prefer baking). In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko, 1 tbs melted butter, and 2 tbs grated Parmesan; toss until evenly moistened.
- 7
Bake or broil for a crisp top
If you want a baked, crisp mac & cheese: transfer the sauced pasta to a shallow baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top, and bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden and bubbling, about 12–15 minutes. For a quick broiled finish: place assembled mac & cheese under the broiler 3–5 inches from the heat for 2–4 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning, until the topping is golden. Remove and let rest 3–5 minutes before serving.