Macaroni Cheese

Macaroni and cheese, a beloved classic, is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender macaroni pasta with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. This recipe takes the traditional macaroni and cheese up a notch with the addition of Cheddar cheese, spring onions, and a creamy sauce made with evaporated milk, single cream, and mayonnaise.

To prepare the dish, start by cooking the macaroni in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a heavy frying pan, sauté spring onions in butter until soft. Add flour and continue sautéing for a few minutes before adding evaporated milk, cream, mayonnaise, and grated Cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and stir in lightly beaten eggs for added richness. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake the macaroni and cheese in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the dish is piping hot. Allow it to cool slightly before serving warm.

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish alongside roasted meats or vegetables. Its creamy, cheesy goodness is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

INGREDIENTS

• 225g/8oz macaroni
• 100g/4oz butter
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoons plain flour
• 225ml/8fl oz evaporated milk
• 225g/8fl oz single cream
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 275g/10oz Cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 100g/4oz Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

PREPARATION

1. Bring a large saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas mark 4. Grease a large casserole dish.
3. In a heavy frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the spring onions until soft.
4. Add the flour to the pan and stir well to combine with the butter and onions. Cook for about 3 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
5. Slowly pour in the evaporated milk, stirring continuously. Add the single cream and mayonnaise, stirring until smooth.
6. Gradually add the grated Cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and well combined.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir in the lightly beaten eggs until the macaroni is evenly coated.
8. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the macaroni is hot and bubbly.
10. Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool slightly before serving warm.

YIELD

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

• Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
• For a crispier topping, broil the macaroni and cheese for a few minutes at the end of baking until the top is browned and bubbly.

TIPS

• Use a variety of cheeses, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, for a more complex flavor profile.
• For a healthier version, you can substitute whole wheat macaroni and use reduced-fat cheese and milk products.

Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food that brings together tender macaroni pasta with a creamy and cheesy sauce. This recipe takes the classic dish to the next level by incorporating Cheddar cheese, sautéed spring onions, and a rich sauce made with evaporated milk, single cream, and mayonnaise.

To prepare the dish, cook the macaroni until al dente and set it aside. In a frying pan, sauté spring onions in butter until soft before adding flour and creating a roux. Gradually pour in evaporated milk, single cream, and mayonnaise, stirring until a smooth sauce forms. Add grated Cheddar cheese and stir until melted and well combined.

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, and mix in lightly beaten eggs for added richness. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and sprinkle the top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake the macaroni and cheese in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the dish is hot and bubbly. Allow it to cool slightly before serving warm.

Macaroni and cheese can be enjoyed as a comforting main course or served as a side dish alongside roasted meats or vegetables. Its creamy, cheesy goodness is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking. For a healthier twist, use whole wheat macaroni and reduced-fat cheese and milk products.

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or looking for a comforting dish to enjoy on a cozy evening, this homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.