Few dishes are as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade macaroni cheese. Simple, affordable and loved by all ages, this classic recipe is perfect for a quick midweek meal, a cosy weekend lunch or a great way to bring the family together around the dinner table.
This recipe has been inspired by Cooking Good, who share delicious, accessible recipes designed to help people cook healthy and affordable meals at home. We’ve created our own version using everyday ingredients that are easy to find locally.
Ingredients
For the macaroni cheese
- 300g macaroni pasta
- 40g butter
- 40g plain flour
- 600ml milk
- 150g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
- 50g Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese, grated (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- Salt and black pepper
For the topping
- 2 slices of bread, turned into breadcrumbs
- 25g grated cheese
- A drizzle of olive oil
Optional additions
- A handful of cooked peas
- Roasted vegetables
- Spinach
- Sweetcorn
Method
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan).
- Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- To make the cheese sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking well to create a smooth sauce. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the grated Cheddar, Parmesan (if using), mustard and seasoning. Add a pinch of nutmeg for extra warmth and flavour.
- Stir the cooked macaroni through the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. Add any extra vegetables at this stage if you’d like to include them.
- Transfer to an ovenproof dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with a little grated cheese and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for around 20 minutes until bubbling and golden.
Top Tip
Macaroni cheese is a brilliant recipe for using up ingredients already in your kitchen. Leftover roasted vegetables, cooked chicken or even a handful of herbs can be added to create a new version of this family favourite.
Why We Love This Recipe
Making macaroni cheese from scratch is a simple way to create a delicious meal while keeping costs low. Using seasonal vegetables or ingredients you already have at home can help reduce food waste and make this classic dish go even further.
Whether served as a main meal with a side salad or enjoyed as a comforting lunch, homemade macaroni cheese is a recipe that belongs in every kitchen.
Recipe inspiration: With thanks to Cooking Good for inspiring this recipe. Their work encourages people to cook more, make the most of ingredients and enjoy good food together.
