Three Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Mac ’n’ Cheese is one of my comfort food favourites – it is probably everyones favourite. It’s a chance to forget about the calories and just enjoy a bowl of bubbly cheesy goodness. This grown up mac has three different strong cheeses to really make you forget the diet. On a cold night with some garlic bread and salad there is nothing better.

Ingredients:

500g Dried Macaroni Pasta
300ml Milk
2 tbsp Butter
3 tbsp Plain Flour
1 tbsp Garlic Powder
1 tbsp Onion Powder
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
150g Sharp Cheddar grated
75g Parmesan grated
75g Mozzarella grated
Two Large Handfuls of Breadcrumbs
Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper

Method:

1. Put a large pot of water with a large pinch of salt on to boil. When the water is boiling, add the pasta, and boil for 6-8 minutes or according to packet instructions. When it is cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, and set it aside.
2. Preheat the oven to 350º or gas mark 5.
3. In a saucepan, melt two tablespoons of butter on a low heat and add in the flour. Mix this continually until you get a thick paste (a roux). Slowly add in the milk to the roux, whisking continually, as the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. This will take time so be patient.
4. Add the cheddar, half the parmesan, and half the mozzarella to the sauce and slowly melt the cheese.
5. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, and a tablespoon of dijon mustard to the cheese sauce and whisk. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Leave it to cook on a very low heat.
6. When the cheese has fully melted in the sauce turn off the heat and set it aside.
7. In a small bowl combine a few large handfuls of breadcrumbs with the remaining parmesan and a glug of olive oil. Mix it together until the breadcrumbs have absorbed all the olive oil.
8. In a large oven proof baking dish pour in the cooked pasta and pour over the cheese sauce. Give it a gentle shake to make sure the sauce gets into all the holes and covers the pasta.
9. Sprinkle over the remaining mozzarella and the breadcrumb mixture.
10. Place in the oven for 30 minutes until it is bubbling and golden. Serve immediately and enjoy.
    

    Mac ‘n’ Cheese