Mac And Cheese Recipe
Make Mac And Cheese Recipe in just 30m. 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
- 1
Boil pasta
Bring 4 cups water and 1 tsp salt to a rolling boil in a medium pot. Add 1.5 cups elbow macaroni and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta and set aside.
Cheese Sauce
- 2
Make a roux
In the same pot or a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter until foaming. Add 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 1.5 minutes until the raw flour smell is gone and the mixture turns a pale golden color (do not brown).
- 3
Add milk and seasonings
Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook over medium heat, whisking often, until the mixture thickens and just starts to bubble (about 4-6 minutes). Whisk in 1 tsp dry mustard powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp salt. If using, add 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
- 4
Incorporate cheese
Reduce heat to low. Remove pan from direct heat briefly and add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded mild cheddar (or Monterey Jack) in small handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth before adding the next portion. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in up to 2 tbsp of the reserved pasta water to reach a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- 5
Combine pasta and sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot with the cheese sauce and gently stir until pasta is evenly coated. Warm together over low heat for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.
Topping (optional) and Finish
- 6
Prepare topping
If using a breadcrumb topping, combine 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp grated Parmesan, 1 tbsp melted butter, and 1 tbsp chopped parsley in a small bowl until moistened.
- 7
Assemble and brown (optional)
Transfer mac and cheese to a small ovenproof baking dish or keep in the pot. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Place under a preheated broiler (or in a 425°F / 220°C oven) for 2-4 minutes, watching closely, until the topping is golden and crisp. Alternatively, skip broiling and serve immediately for a creamier stovetop mac and cheese.
- 8
