Super simple macaroni and cheese

This delicious dish combines a creamy cheese filling and mouthwateringly crunchy top to create the perfect comfort food for any occasion.

Not only is it super simple to make, but this recipe mixes in a few spices to really set the flavour off. It’s fairly versatile so you can easily add in vegetables or switch up the cheese options to fit your taste buds. Mac and cheese has long been a favourite with everyone from adults to kids so if you find yourself catering for a large group of people, this recipe is one of the best to whip out!

Ingredients

• 220g elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons plain flour
• 1 tablespoon powdered mustard
• 3 cups milk
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large egg
• 340g cheddar, shredded
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• Fresh black pepper
  Topping
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling, salted water to al dente.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in separate pot. Add flour and mustard. Whisk constantly for 5 minutes or until smooth. Stir in milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf.
3. Temper in egg. Stir in 3/4 of cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Fold macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour mixture into a 2L casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
4. Melt butter in pan. Toss bread crumbs to coat. Sprinkle over macaroni.
5. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven. Let cool for 5 minutes. Serve.