Carlyn’s Mac ‘n’ Cheese
- 800 g pasta (macaroni or similar)
- 90 g butter, divided (60 g for sauce, 30 g for topping)
- 60 g all-purpose flour
- 500 ml whole milk
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 small onion, grated (about 60 g, optional)
- 700–800 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (depends on how cheesy you like it)
- 75 g breadcrumbs (for topping)
Method
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt 60 g butter.
Whisk in 60 g flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in 500 ml milk + 250 ml cream.
Stir in grated onion, salt, and pepper.
Simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened.
4. Add cheese:
Remove from heat and stir in 700–800 g shredded cheddar until smooth and melted.
5. Combine with pasta:
Mix the cheese sauce with the 1 kg cooked pasta in a large baking dish.
6. Prepare topping:
Melt remaining 30 g butter and toss with 75 g breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle over the top.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
