Mac & Cheese Recipe
Make Mac & 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 Sauce (Bechamel-based)
Topping (optional crunchy topping)
Method
Pasta
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if you plan to bake with a topping. Otherwise, you can serve immediately without baking.
- 2
Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta. Cook until just shy of al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions), usually 7–8 minutes for elbow macaroni. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Cheese Sauce (Bechamel-based)
- 3
Make roux
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Once melted and bubbling (but not browned), sprinkle in 1 tablespoon flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook the raw flour taste but not brown it.
- 4
Add milk
Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, adding a little at a time to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- 5
Season
Stir in 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon fine sea salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 6
Finish cheese sauce
Remove the saucepan from heat. Add 2 cups grated sharp cheddar and 1 cup grated medium cheddar in handfuls, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth. If using, stir in 2 ounces softened cream cheese until incorporated. If the sauce seems too thick, whisk in 1–2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- 7
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold until evenly coated. If sauce seems tight, add more of the reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until creamy.
Topping (optional crunchy topping and bake)
- 8
Prepare topping
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- 9
Assemble and bake
Spoon the macaroni and cheese into a 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the surface. Bake in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20–25 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
- 10
Stovetop serving option
If not baking, transfer the mac & cheese to a serving dish, sprinkle a little extra grated cheddar or a light scattering of panko (optional), and serve immediately while hot.