Baked Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Golden Crumbs

RecipenKitchen Recipe 1 h 5 min · Serves 6 · American

Why make it Tender macaroni in a smooth, sharp cheese sauce, baked until bubbling under a buttery, crisp breadcrumb topping. A comforting family dinner that is easy to make with everyday cheeses.

You’ll need

Serves 6 400 g elbow macaroni 1 tbsp salt, for the pasta water 60 g butter 4 tbsp plain flour (maida) 1 tsp mustard powder or 2 tsp prepared mustard ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground ¼ tsp nutmeg, freshly grated (optional) ½ tsp paprika or Kashmiri chilli powder + 8 more in the full recipe

1 Step 1 of 10 Heat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan). Grease the baking dish lightly with butter.

2 Step 2 of 10 Bring a large pot of water to the boil and add 1 tablespoon salt. Cook the macaroni for 2 minutes less than the packet says, so it stays firm and finishes cooking in the oven.

3 Step 3 of 10 Drain the macaroni well and tip it into the baking dish. Do not rinse it.

4 Step 4 of 10 Melt 60 g butter in the saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour, mustard powder, pepper, nutmeg and paprika, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until it smells lightly nutty but has not browned.

5 Step 5 of 10 Add the milk a little at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. The last 5 steps are in the full recipe.

Cook’s tip Grate the cheese yourself from a block. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking coatings that can make the sauce grainy.

Baked Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Golden Crumbs

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