Macaroni & Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food that everyone loves. Whether you're in a hurry or having a family dinner, mac and cheese is a go-to dish. It's all about soft pasta in a creamy, cheesy sauce, and it's a classic that never gets old. Get ready for some seriously cheesy goodness!
And why not be creative and something extra:
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a savory and smoky element to your mac and cheese.
Jalapeños: Sliced or diced jalapeños provide a spicy kick and a pop of color.
Lobster or Crab: Seafood lovers can add chunks of lobster or crab meat for a luxurious twist.
Truffle Oil: A drizzle of truffle oil imparts a gourmet touch and earthy aroma.
Sundried Tomatoes: Chopped sundried tomatoes bring a burst of tangy sweetness.
Caramelized Onions: Slow-cooked caramelized onions add depth and a touch of sweetness.
Spinach or Kale: Stir in wilted spinach or kale for a healthy, green boost.
Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms, add an earthy and savory element.
Pesto: A dollop of pesto sauce can infuse your mac and cheese with a burst of basil and garlic.
Sausage: Cooked and crumbled sausage, like Italian or chorizo, can provide a hearty, flavorful addition.
Roasted Red Peppers: Chopped roasted red peppers contribute a sweet and smoky note.
Ingredients
500g Macaroni
2 Garlic cloves, finely chopped
4 Green onions, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons Wholegrain mustard
750ml Milk
1/4 cup Plain flour
50g Butter
300g Mature cheddar cheese, grated
100g Parmesan cheese, grated
100g Mature cheddar cheese, grated (optional)
Method
Preheat your oven to 200°C.
In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 9-12 minutes, following the instructions on your pasta packaging. Boil the pasta for 2 minutes less than the recommended cooking time, then drain.
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan.
Add garlic, onions, and mustard to the melted butter and sauté for 1 minute. Then, stir in the plain flour and continue to cook for an additional minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk until a smooth sauce forms. Continue to cook and stir for 1 more minute.
Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens to your liking.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, and then stir in the cheeses.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheesy sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a large ovenproof dish or divide it into individual dishes.
At this point you can add some extra cheese over the top and bake in a preheated oven - 180°C - for 10-15 minutes or until the top is golden.