Mary Berry Mac And Cheese

This easy Mac and Cheese by Mary Berry is the perfect creamy, comforting meal. With a rich cheddar sauce, crunchy cheese puff topping, and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, it’s a quick dinner that everyone will love. You can easily customize it with common pantry ingredients, making it a flexible weeknight favorite!

Ingredients Needed

For the macaroni cheese:

• 400g/14oz macaroni pasta
• 30g/1oz unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp plain flour (approx. 30g/1oz)
• 600ml/20fl oz full-fat milk
• 170ml/6fl oz evaporated milk
• 1 tsp yeast extract
• 450g/1lb cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 8 x 16.5g packs of cheese puffs (such as Wotsits), crushed into coarse crumbs

For the topping:

• 50g/1¾oz breadcrumbs
• 50g/1¾oz cheddar cheese, grated

How To Make Mac And Cheese

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
2. Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6 (400°F).
3. Make the sauce: In a flameproof 30cm/12in casserole, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, then gradually add the milk while whisking until fully combined. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, then add the evaporated milk and yeast extract. Cook until thick, then remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
4. Add cheese: Stir the grated cheese into the sauce until melted. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce and half of the crushed cheese puffs, then add the cooked macaroni and combine thoroughly. Level the top.
5. Add topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumbs, remaining cheese puffs, and grated cheese over the top.
6. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Make sure to cook the macaroni until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. This helps prevent mushy pasta.
• Whisk Constantly: When making the sauce, whisk constantly while adding the milk. This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth sauce.
• Use Fresh Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated cheddar cheese instead of pre-grated cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
• Let It Sit After Baking: Allow the mac and cheese to sit for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
• Customize Toppings: Feel free to customize the toppings by adding herbs like parsley or spices like paprika for extra flavor.

How To Store And Reheat Leftovers?

• Refrigerate: First, let the leftover Mac and Cheese cool until it reaches room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Allow the Mac and Cheese to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F. Place the Mac and Cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and bake for about 20–25 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 cup (about 225g)

• Calories: 460
• Total Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 640mg
• Potassium: 296mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 41g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 21g

Try More Mary Berry Recipes:

• Mary Berry Dutch Apple Cake
• Mary Berry Pea And Mint Soup
• Mary Berry Apple And Almond Cake
• Mary Berry Parmentier Potatoes