Macaroni cheese
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This is such a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy — it’s cheap, filling and perfect for busy days. Macaroni cheese is one of those timeless comfort dishes that never fails to make everyone happy: creamy, bubbling and beautifully cheesy, the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug.
This version is wonderfully simple to make, with tender pasta coated in a rich, silky cheese sauce, making it an ideal midweek go‑to or a cosy weekend treat. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a creamy, golden bake that’s satisfying, nostalgic and endlessly comforting. If you fancy it, you can add bacon too — just follow my bacon and macaroni cheese recipe.
Serving Suggestions for Macaroni Cheese
- Garlic bread or cheesy garlic baguette
- Simple green salad with a lemony or balsamic dressing
- Roasted broccoli, tenderstem, or green beans
- Peas — buttered, minted, or mixed with sweetcorn
- Tomato & red onion salad for freshness
- Crispy bacon or pancetta sprinkled over the top
- Roasted cherry tomatoes for sweetness and colour
- Crispy potato wedges or skin‑on fries for a proper comfort‑food plate
- Sautéed mushrooms with garlic and thyme
- Crusty bread or a warm baguette to mop up the sauce
- Chilli flakes, spring onions, or fresh herbs to finish
Macaroni cheese
Ingredients
- 350 g macaroni pasta
- 40 g salted butter
- 40 g plain flour
- 600 ml semi skimmed milk
- 250 g grated cheddar, plus extra for sprinkling
- season with salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to the packets instructions, drain and set aside.
- Whilst the marcaroni is cooking, make the sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over a medium heat. With a large hand whisk add the flour and whisk continuously for a minute. Top tip: I find using a large hand held balloon whisk, you are less likely to have lumps.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time. Cook for around 10 mins until thickened and smooth.
- Remove the sauce from the hob, add the cheese and stir until it is well combined and melted and season.
- Pre-heat the grill on a medium heat.
- Add the macaroni to combine, tip into a oven proof dish. Sprinkle with extra grated cheese. Place under the grill until the cheese starts to melt and turns golden. Serve immediately.