Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Wright & Company›Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe

Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe

Inspired by Wright & Company
Time50m
Serves6

Make Creamy Mac & Cheese Recipe in just 50m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Cheese Sauce

Cheeses

Topping (optional)

Method

Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil pasta

    Bring 4 cups water and 1 tablespoon salt to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 1–2 minutes less than package directions (usually 7–8 minutes) until very al dente — it will finish cooking in the sauce. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Cheese Sauce

  1. 2

    Make roux

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Once melted and foaming, add 3 tablespoons flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until mixture is pale golden and smells slightly nutty (do not brown).

  2. 3

    Add dairy

    Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream in small additions to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until smooth. Increase heat to medium-high and bring mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4–6 minutes.

  3. 4

    Season sauce

    Reduce heat to low. Whisk in 1 teaspoon dry mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. Taste and adjust seasoning.

  4. 5

    Melt cheeses

    Remove sauce from heat. Add cheeses — 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup mild cheddar, and 1 cup Gruyère (if using) — in handfuls, stirring each addition until melted and fully incorporated. If sauce seems too thick, whisk in up to 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to loosen. If too thin, return to low heat briefly while stirring.

Combine & Bake (or Stovetop Finish)

  1. 6

    Combine

    Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and fold gently to coat each piece thoroughly. If the mixture seems dry, add another 2–4 tablespoons of reserved pasta water. Transfer to a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish if baking.

  2. 7

    Prepare topping (optional)

    If using topping, mix 1 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley until evenly moistened. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.

  3. 8

    Bake (optional)

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until topping is golden and edges are bubbling. If you prefer a browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes more — watch carefully.

  4. 9

    Stovetop option

    For a creamier, saucier mac & cheese, skip the bake: serve immediately after combining the pasta and sauce, stirring in any reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

  5. 10

    Serve

    Let baked mac & cheese rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional parsley or a light grating of Parmesan if desired.

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