My homemade Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, guaranteed to hit the spot. With tender macaroni smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, this is a classic dish that everyone loves, and once you’ve seen how easy it is to make from scratch, you’ll never make the packet version again! Whether you’re whipping it up for a laid-back weeknight meal or a special occasion, this quick and easy recipe will become a family favourite that you’ll keep coming back to. Top with breadcrumbs and run under the grill/broiler for a few minutes for a crunchy finish.
Can you make Macaroni and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, follow the Macaroni and Cheese recipe instructions up until step 7. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight. To reheat, cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes in a 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) oven. Remove foil and place under grill/broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the breadcrumbs.
Is Macaroni and Cheese suitable for leftovers?
Macaroni and Cheese leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Not suitable for freezing.
PrintMacaroni and Cheese
- Total Time: 20 mins
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 500 g elbow pasta/macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup plain/all-purpose flour
- 3 cups full cream milk
- 1 tsp chicken stock powder
- 3 cups freshly grated tasty cheese/cheddar
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Cook pasta as per packet instructions, less 1 minute. Drain and run under cold water to cool immediately.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter on low heat in a large, deep skillet.
- Once the butter has melted, add the flour and stir for 30 seconds until a paste forms.
- Pour in about 1/4 of the milk, whisking for 30 seconds until the mixture combines.
- Add the remaining milk and whisk on low heat for 5 minutes, until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the stock powder and cheese. Turn off the heat and stir through the pasta. Serve as is or continue with the following steps for extra crunch.
- Preheat the grill/broiler. Transfer to a baking dish if needed and sprinkle with the panko breadcrumbs. Spray with olive oil.
- Grill/broil for 2-3 minutes until golden (keep an eye on it because it will change to a golden colour quickly!)
Notes
MAKE AHEAD
Follow the recipe instructions up until step 7. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the fridge overnight. To reheat, cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes in a 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) oven. Remove foil and place under grill/broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the breadcrumbs.
LEFTOVERS
Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 200°C/400°F (180°C fan) oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Not suitable for freezing.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Macaroni
- Method: pan
- Cuisine: British