Mac N’ Cheese Recipe
Make Mac N’ Cheese Recipe in just 40m. 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
Cheese Sauce
Topping (optional)
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil Water
In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
- 2
Cook Pasta
Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Drain Pasta
Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.
Making Cheese Sauce
- 4
- 5
Add Flour
Once the butter is melted, whisk in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. Cook for about 1 minute until well combined and bubbly.
- 6
Add Milk
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- 7
Add Cheese
Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 4 ounces of cream cheese. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- 8
Season Sauce
Add 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Stir until well combined.
Combining and Serving
- 9
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- 10
Optional Topping
If using, mix 1 cup of bread crumbs with 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the mac and cheese.
- 11
Bake (Optional)
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac and cheese for 20 minutes if you added the topping, until golden and bubbly.
- 12
Serve
Serve hot and enjoy your homemade mac n' cheese!
