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–+ servings

Quick & Easy Italian Mac & Cheese

This easy mac and cheese recipe combines al dente macaroni with a creamy cheddar sauce, topped with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden and bubbly.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 700 ml full-fat milk
  • 1 onion peeled and halved
  • 1 garlic clove peeled
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 350 grams macaroni
  • 50 grams butter plus a bit extra for greasing
  • 50 grams plain flour
  • 175 grams mature cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 tsp English mustard
  • 50 grams Parmesan cheese grated
  • 50 grams coarse white breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

Prepare the Pasta

  • Start by warming the milk with the onion, garlic, and bay leaf in a small pan.
    Heat until it’s almost boiling, then take it off the heat.
    Cover the pan and let it sit for 10 minutes so the flavors can blend.
    After 10 minutes, strain the milk to remove the onion, garlic, and bay leaf.
    Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s just tender but still has a slight bite (al dente).
    This usually takes about 10 minutes.
    Drain the macaroni in a colander and rinse it under cold water to prevent it from sticking together.

Make the Roux

  • Preheat your oven to 190°C (fan 170°C/gas mark 5).
    Grease a 25 x 18cm ovenproof dish with a little butter.
    In a medium pan, melt the butter over low heat.
    Once it’s bubbling, add the flour.
    Stir continuously for 1 minute to cook the flour and create a roux (a mixture of fat and flour used to thicken sauces).

Finish the Sauce

  • Gradually whisk the warm milk into the roux until you have a smooth mixture.
    Continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
    If you run your finger through the sauce on the spoon, it should leave a clear line.
    Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese and English mustard.
    Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Assemble and Bake

  • Mix the cheese sauce thoroughly with the cooked macaroni, ensuring all the pasta is coated.
    Pour the cheesy macaroni into your prepared ovenproof dish.
    Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
    Serve your homemade mac and cheese hot, either on its own or with a fresh green salad.
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