Macaroni Cheese | Easy Creamy Macaroni Cheese with Cheddar & Golden Topping
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
Variations: Macaroni Cheese
- Three‑Cheese Macaroni Cheese — mix cheddar, mozzarella and Parmesan for a richer, more complex sauce.
- Smoky Macaroni Cheese — add smoked paprika or smoked cheddar for gentle smoky depth.
- Garlic‑Rich Macaroni Cheese — stir in garlic powder or sautéed garlic for deeper savoury warmth.
- Mustard Macaroni Cheese — add Dijon or English mustard for sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- Creamy Macaroni Cheese — add a splash of cream or crème fraîche for a silkier, more indulgent sauce.
- Crunchy‑Topped Macaroni Cheese — finish with breadcrumbs or panko for a golden, crispy topping.
- Bacon Macaroni Cheese — add crispy bacon for smoky savoury depth.
- Broccoli Macaroni Cheese — stir in small broccoli florets for freshness and extra veg.
- Pea Macaroni Cheese — add peas for pops of sweetness that brighten the dish.
- Tomato Macaroni Cheese — mix in chopped tomatoes or semi‑dried tomatoes for tangy richness.
- Spinach Macaroni Cheese — wilt spinach into the sauce for colour and a soft, silky texture.
- Caramelised Onion Macaroni Cheese — add caramelised onions for sweetness and extra depth.
- Chilli Macaroni Cheese — add chilli flakes or fresh chilli for gentle heat.
- Herby Macaroni Cheese — finish with parsley or chives for freshness that lifts the creamy sauce.
- Macaroni Cheese Bake — bake until bubbling with extra cheese on top for a comforting, crowd‑pleasing finish
Macaroni cheese
Macaroni cheese with tender pasta coated in a rich, creamy sauce and topped with a golden crust, creating a warm, comforting dish that looks indulgent, simple and homely.
Equipment
- Saucepan
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.