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
Topping (optional)
Method
Pasta & Cheese Sauce
Cook pasta
Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 1 tsp kosher salt. Stir in 3 cups elbow macaroni and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Make roux
In the same pot (or a medium saucepan) melt 3 tbs unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling but not browned, add 3 tbs all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste and form a blonde roux.
Add milk and seasonings
Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and just begins to simmer, about 3–4 minutes. Whisk in 1 tsp mustard powder, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp black pepper. If the sauce becomes too thick, whisk in 1–4 tbs of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Finish cheese sauce
Lower heat to low. Add 2 oz room-temperature cream cheese and whisk until fully incorporated and smooth. Gradually add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded mild cheddar, one handful at a time, stirring until each addition melts before adding more. Taste and adjust salt if needed (a pinch at a time). Keep sauce warm over very low heat; do not let it boil.
Combine pasta and sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add small amounts of reserved pasta water (a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches a creamy consistency. Transfer to a serving dish or an ovenproof dish if using the topping.
Topping (optional) & Finish
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to brown the topping.
In a small bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbs melted butter, 2 tbs grated Parmesan, and 1 tbs chopped fresh parsley. Stir until crumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac & cheese in the ovenproof dish. Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbling at the edges, about 12–15 minutes. For extra browning, broil on high for 1–2 minutes watching carefully.
Remove from oven, let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve hot.