Mac & Cheese Recipe
Make Mac & 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
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water.
- 2
Cook the Pasta
Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- 3
Drain the 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 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
- 6
Add Milk
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- 7
Add Cheese and Seasonings
Remove the pot from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of paprika until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
- 8
Combine
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.
Optional Topping
- 9
Add Breadcrumbs
If using, sprinkle 1 cup of breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese.
- 10
Add Parmesan
Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese over the breadcrumbs.
- 11
Broil
Place the dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- 12
Serve
Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with additional paprika if desired.