Macaroni cheese, a true family favourite is the ultimate comfort food. This dish combines creamy cheese sauce, soft pasta, and your favourite toppings, making a delicious meal everyone will love. The smooth cheesy sauce and satisfyingly chewy pasta make every bite a delight.
Traditionally, macaroni cheese originated in the 14th century. Back then, it was a dish for the wealthy, made with expensive ingredients like Parmesan cheese.
Today, it’s a simple and affordable meal enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.
This Mac and cheese is a culmination of ideas from our brilliant BellyBelly readers. It blends creamy cheese sauce, pasta, and optional extras for a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Macaroni Cheese Tips
- Use quality cheese: Use a good-quality, strong cheddar for the best flavour.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that can hinder melting.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: It should be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use room-temperature milk: This will help prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy.
- Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add more milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Feel free to get creative with additions: Bacon, peas, sweetcorn, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a delicious twist.
Ingredients
- 500g macaroni or other short pasta
- 50g butter
- 50g plain flour
- 600ml full cream milk
- 250g strong cheddar cheese, grated
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving a mugful of the pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, make the cheese sauce:
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for a minute or two, stirring constantly to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and thick.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar and Parmesan (if using). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish. If desired, sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.
- Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy this delicious, cheesy creation! It’s perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply as a satisfying meal on a chilly evening. Don’t forget to share your own variations and additions with us!
If you’re in the mood for a Mediterranean twist, why not try BellyBelly’s Delicious Greek Lamb and Eggplant Pasta Bake for your next culinary adventure?
If you’re interested in knowing what the best cheddar cheese is to buy, read this Cheddar cheese review for more information.
