Description
Cheeseboard Macaroni Cheese is a comforting, rich, and cheesy baked pasta dish that uses a variety of cheeses for depth of flavor. Perfectly cooked al dente pasta is enveloped in a creamy, seasoned cheese sauce, then baked to golden bubbly perfection, making it an ideal meal for cozy cravings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 200 grams Pasta Shapes (Any pasta shape works perfectly)
Sauce
- 50 grams Butter (Essential for richness)
- 1 clove Garlic (Crushed, fresh is best)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Optional for heat)
- 50 grams Plain Flour (Acts as a thickener)
- 500 milliliters Milk (Whole milk preferred)
- 150 grams Mix of Cheeses (Cheshire, Cheddar, Camembert, use leftover cheese)
Topping
- 50 grams Extra Hard Cheese (Grated cheddar or parmesan, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shapes and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes depending on pasta type. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the crushed garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 1 minute. Stir in the mustard powder and cayenne pepper to infuse flavor.
- Create Sauce: Sprinkle the plain flour into the butter mixture, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce, stirring often, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the mixed cheeses to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta evenly to coat it in the cheese sauce.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan/gas mark 4). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish and evenly sprinkle the extra hard cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the macaroni cheese cool for about 10 minutes to set slightly. Serve warm and enjoy the cozy comfort of this rich, cheesy dish.
Notes
- You can use any pasta shape such as elbow macaroni, shells, or penne.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference or omit for no spice.
- Use a combination of cheese varieties for a deeper flavor profile.
- Leftover cheese works great, making this a budget-friendly recipe.
- Allowing the dish to rest after baking enhances texture and flavor.
