If there’s ever a perfect example of comfort food, it’s the rich, creamy, smooth topping of a perfectly made macaroni and cheese. For a simple yet indulgent version, Mary Berry macaroni and cheese recipe is exactly what you need. With its British-inspired style, Mary Berry’s take on macaroni and cheese features a velvety cheese sauce paired with a crispy topping, creating the ideal contrast of textures. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.
In this article, we’ll guide you through making Mary Berry’s macaroni and cheese step-by-step. We’ll also share tips and variations to help you customize the dish. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner eager to try something new, this easy-to-follow recipe guarantees delicious results.
What Makes Mary Berry’s Macaroni and Cheese Special?
This macaroni and cheese from Mary Berry isn’t just another cheesy pasta dish. It’s a classic comfort-food dish with the perfect mix of ingredients. The Perfect: Rich Cheese Sauce The addictive, luscious cheese sauce gets its intense flavor from a blend of cheddar and Gruyère. And adding a touch of Dijon mustard to it for flavor brings a little tang to it that pairs so nicely with the creamy cheese.
The crunchy breadcrumb topping is what makes this recipe special, however. The golden, crispy crust is a stark contrast to the smooth pasta beneath. This texture difference is one of the hallmarks of Mary Berry macaroni and cheese. The result is a dish that’s comforting but indulgent, and relatively straightforward to make.
Ingredients You Need to Make Mary Berry Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
To make Mary Berry macaroni and cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- 300g macaroni pasta
- 25g butter
- 25g plain flour
- 600ml whole milk
- 150g mature cheddar, grated
- 100g Gruyère cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 50g fresh breadcrumbs
- A little butter for greasing
Combine these ingredients to form a creamy cheese sauce and a golden crust that will delight your family and friends. They are something I can find in any grocery store, and once I have them, I’m good to start cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Macaroni and Cheese
Mary Berry macaroni and cheese is a well loved recipe that’s family friendly and easy to make. Here’s a speedy, step-by-step guide to how to make this dish.
Cook the Macaroni
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. 300g macaroni pasta (cooked according to the packet directions – around 8-10 minutes). When they are ready, drain the pasta and reserve. You can reserve some pasta water if you think it might be helpful for the sauce later.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In another saucepan, heat 25g of butter. Stir in 25g plain flour to make a smooth roux. Cook it for about 1 minute to cook the raw taste from the flour. Pour 600ml whole milk in slowly, keep whisking to prevent lumps. Stir until the sauce has thickened.
When it’s thickened, tip in 150g grated cheddar and 100g grated Gruyère. Stir until melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (or to taste) and salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Stir cooked macaroni and cheese sauce until mixed thoroughly. If the sauce seems very thick, you can add some of the reserved pasta water to help loosen it.
Bake the Macaroni and Cheese
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the macaroni and cheese combo into a greased ovenproof dish. Cover with 50g of fresh breadcrumbs and dot with little pieces of butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top.
Serve
Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool a bit before serving. Serve this cheesy, creamy casserole with a crispy topping!
With this fast guide you will have a tasty and cozy dish without effort!
Tips for Perfect Mary Berry Macaroni and Cheese
To ensure your Mary Berry macaroni and cheese is perfect every time, here are some key tips for the best results.
Use Quality Cheese
The kind of cheese you use makes macaroni and cheese what it is. Use the ripest cheddar you can find: you want that rich, tangy flavor, while the Gruyère brings smoothness and depth. Canned cheese does not melt well when you try making a sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
It’s very important that the macaroni be cooked to al dente. I overcooked the pasta and bake it and the texture is mush. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the package, and keep in mind the pasta will cook further in the oven.
Make a Smooth Roux
When preparing the cheese sauce, be sure to cook the butter and flour mixture (the roux) for at least a minute. It prevents the flour taste and makes the sauce smooth as well. F, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Adjust Sauce Consistency
If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. The starchy water helps create a creamy texture and makes sure the sauce clings nicely to the pasta.
Crispy Topping
For the best golden finish, use fresh crumbs. Store-bought breadcrumbs won’t get as crispy. Dot the crumbs with small pats of butter for a golden, crispy top.
Prepare Ahead
Mary Berry’s macaroni and cheese is make-ahead friendly. The dish can be assembled to the point of baking, then covered and refrigerated for no more than 24 hours. To bake, let the kish sit out until no longer cold, and then bake as directed, adjusting the time as necessary.
Follow these tips and you will have macaroni and cheese with an interior that stays creamy and a golden brown crispy top every time. Enjoy!
Variations on Mary Berry Macaroni and Cheese
The traditional Mary Berry macaroni and cheese recipe is a classic but you can ad lib slightly to cater for your taste or dietary requirements. Here are several twists to try:
Bacon Mac and Cheese
If you’re in the mood for a meaty twist, complement your macaroni and cheese with crunchy bacon. Just cook a few strips of bacon until crispy and then break them up and stir them in your cheese sauce before combining with your macaroni. This brings a salty, smoky element to the chicken which works perfectly well with the creamy sauce.
Vegetable Mac and Cheese
If you want to sneak a few veggies into your mac and cheese, stir some cooked broccoli, spinach or peas into it. These veggies give a great pop of color and nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Spicy Mac and Cheese
If you like a little heat, you can add some chopped fresh chili pepper to the sauce, or sprinkle with some chili flakes just before baking. This way, your macaroni and cheese will receive a spicy boost that will have people raving.
Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
To make Mary Berry macaroni and cheese gluten-free, just replace the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend. You can even use gluten-free pasta to make the whole shebang gluten friendly!
Why You Should Try Mary Berry Mac And Cheese
If you want the ultimate comfort food then Mary Berry macaroni and cheese is the way to go. This old-fashioned recipe is a low fodmap version of the Classic Hamburger Helper and it’s made by using basic ingredients to produce a luscious and sinful meal that can fit almost every special occasion. Here’s why you should grab a bag for your dinner table.
Classic Comfort Food
Mary Berry’s macaroni cheese is a classic comfort food that’s great as a warming family meal. The creamy cheese sauce which comes with al dente pasta and a crispy, golden crusted topping make for a comforting bite that kids and adults both love. It’s a dish that comes off as a warm hug on a plate.
Easy to Make
Though it couldn’t be simpler to make even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen, Mary Berry macaroni and cheese taste delicious! It calls for simple processes, starting with boiling the pasta and preparing a cheese sauce. The technique is easy and there are no fancy cooking skills involved that is why this can be made by anyone who wants to eat a yummy and healthy homemade dish.
Customizable
Although the old-fashioned recipe is incredible as is, it is also extremely versatile. You can easily customize it with extras like crispy bacon, vegetables or even different cheeses. This makes it ideal for experimenting with and for catering to different tastes or specific dietary requirements.
Great for Any Occasion
Mary Berry macaroni cheese is the comfort food we all need – sure, you can go to the effort of having this fancy pasta as a side to a salad or whatever, but it feels like a crime. It’s hearty and flavorful and is sure to impress your guests.
Crowd-Pleaser
After all who can resist that combination of creamy cheese and tender starch base with irresistible crispy edges (topping)? Mary Berry macaroni and cheese is the perfect meal to give the kids if you want empty plates or to serve on a cold winter’s night.
Give it a try — this is comfort food at its finest!
Conclusion
If you’re hankering after some proper comfort food then the Mary Berry macaroni and cheese recipe should be top of your list. Whether is its simple creamy cheese sauce or crispy golden brown breadcrumb crust, it’s the ultimate retro pass anytime favorite. Simple and delicious, your family will love it! So, get all your ingredients, follow the directions, and you’ll have a decadent, homemade meal!