Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Method

1. 1
   • macaroni 350 g
   • butter 70 g

   Boil the pasta underdone — Heat the oven to 190°C and butter a 25 x 20 cm baking dish. Boil the macaroni in well-salted water for 2 minutes less than the packet says, so it is still firm, then drain it well.

2. 2
   • butter 70 g
   • wheat flour 45 g

   Cook out the roux — Melt 50 g of the butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour and cook the roux for 2 minutes, stirring, until it smells biscuity but has taken on no colour.

3. 3
   • wheat flour 45 g
   • milk 7½ dl

   Whisk in the milk — Pour in the milk a little at a time, whisking smooth between additions, then simmer for 7-8 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickly coats the back of a spoon and no longer tastes of raw flour.

   ⏱8 min
4. 4
   • cheddar 350 g
   • Dijon mustard 1 tsp
   • onion powder ½ tsp
   • ground nutmeg ¼ tsp
   • black pepper ½ tsp
   • salt 1 tsp

   Melt in the cheddar — Take the pan off the heat and stir in 300 g of the cheddar a handful at a time, letting each melt before adding more. Season with the mustard, onion powder, nutmeg, black pepper and salt.

5. 5
   • macaroni 350 g
   • butter 70 g
   • cheddar 350 g
   • breadcrumbs 60 g

   Combine and crumb the top — Fold the drained macaroni through the sauce until every tube is coated and tip it into the dish. Toss the breadcrumbs with the remaining 20 g butter, melted, and scatter them over with the last of the cheddar.

6. 6

   Bake until bubbling — Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the sauce bubbles up at the edges and the crust is deep golden and crisp. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving so it sets enough to spoon out cleanly.

   ⏱30 min