Mac N ' Cheese Recipe
Make Mac N ' Cheese Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Cheese Base
Optional Topping (crispy breadcrumb topping)
Method
Pasta & Cheese Base
Cook the pasta
Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions for al dente (usually 7-9 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Make a roux
In the same pot or a separate medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Once foaming subsides, add 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden (this cooks the raw flour taste).
Add milk and seasonings
Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, a ladleful at a time, smoothing out lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently, about 4–6 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Finish the cheese sauce
Reduce heat to low. Add the grated cheeses (3 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup mild cheddar, and 1 cup parmesan) to the warm sauce in small handfuls, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired creaminess is reached.
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly. Cook together on low for 1–2 minutes to allow flavors to marry. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Preheat the oven broiler to medium-high if you plan to brown the topping, or preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking. In a bowl, combine 3 cups panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon grated parmesan, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper. Toss until crumbs are evenly coated.
Transfer the mac and cheese to a 9x13-inch baking dish (or keep in the pot for stovetop serving). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. For a baked version, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. For a quicker browned top, place under the broiler for 2–4 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.