Mary Berry's Macaroni Cheese: A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Mary Berry, a household name synonymous with baking and classic British cooking, has her own take on the beloved macaroni cheese. This isn't just any mac and cheese; it's a creamy, cheesy, comforting dish that's perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. This guide will walk you through creating Mary Berry's macaroni cheese, focusing on techniques to ensure a perfectly textured and flavorful result.

Ingredients for Mary Berry's Macaroni Cheese

This recipe yields a generous portion, perfect for sharing. Adjust quantities as needed for smaller or larger servings.

• 350g/12oz dried macaroni
• 50g/2oz butter
• 50g/2oz plain flour
• 1 litre/1 ¾ pints full-fat milk
• 1 tsp English mustard
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 100g/3 ½ oz mature cheddar cheese, grated
• 50g/1 ¾ oz Gruyère cheese, grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Guide: Making the Perfect Macaroni Cheese

Step 1: Preparing the Macaroni

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/Gas Mark 6. This ensures a perfectly baked finish.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means slightly firm to the bite – avoid overcooking, as this will result in mushy macaroni. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Creating the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Using a good quality butter will enhance the flavor.
2. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. This is crucial for thickening the sauce. Be sure to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and is smooth.
4. Stir in the mustard and nutmeg. These spices add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in most of the cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Combining and Baking

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat each piece evenly.
2. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased ovenproof dish.
3. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. You can also add a layer of breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy topping.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.

Step 4: Serving and Enjoying

Allow the macaroni cheese to cool slightly before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly, preventing a runny mess. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Macaroni Cheese

• Cheese Selection: The combination of cheddar and Gruyère provides a lovely balance of sharpness and nutty flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as Parmesan or Red Leicester.
• Milk Choice: Full-fat milk creates a richer, creamier sauce. Skimmed milk will result in a thinner consistency.
• Don't Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key to preventing a mushy mac and cheese.
• Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is properly preheated for optimal baking results.

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