Is macaroni cheese a firm favourite in your house? It certainly is in ours. The shop-bought versions are handy on a busy night, but making the cheese sauce yourself only takes a few extra minutes, and it tastes so much better.
This sauce is easy to master, even if you’ve never made a roux before, and it’s bursting with cheesy goodness. Don’t be surprised if your kids are asking for a second helping of this homemade macaroni cheese — it definitely tastes like more.
You may also enjoy: This Tried and Tested Sausage Pasta Recipe Is Delish
Ingredients
- 8 ozs of macaroni pasta
- 2 cups of cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups of milk
- 1/4 cup and 1 tsp butter
- 2 and a 1/2 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- One pinch of paprika
Method
1. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions and drain.
2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
3. Stir in enough flour to make a roux.
4. Add milk to the roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick.
5. Put the macaroni in a large casserole dish, and pour the sauce over the macaroni, giving it a good stir.
6. Melt the teaspoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir until they’re browning nicely.
7. Spread the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese to cover.
8. Finish by adding a pinch of paprika.
9. Bake at 175C / 350F for 30 minutes.
You may also enjoy: 10 Tempting Vegetarian Pasta Recipes Perfect for Family Dinner
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this macaroni cheese ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and keep it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Bake as normal when you’re ready, adding a few extra minutes if it’s going into the oven cold.
Can I freeze homemade macaroni cheese?
It freezes reasonably well once baked and cooled. Store it in a freezer-safe dish, defrost fully in the fridge, and reheat gently until piping hot all the way through.
Can I swap the cheddar and parmesan for other cheeses?
Absolutely — this recipe is forgiving. A mix of any good melting cheese works well; just keep roughly the same overall quantity so the sauce sets properly.
Why is my sauce lumpy or too thin?
Add the milk to the roux gradually, stirring all the time, rather than all at once — that’s the key to a smooth, creamy sauce. If it’s too thin, let it cook a little longer over low heat until it thickens.
Related Articles
- Tried and Tested Sausage Pasta Recipe Is Delish
- 10 Tempting Vegetarian Pasta Recipes Perfect for Family Dinner
- Easy Family Dinner Ideas for Busy Weeknights
More Family Dinner Ideas
Loved this one? Browse our other family-friendly recipes for more easy dinners the kids will actually eat — save this page so it’s handy the next time macaroni cheese is on the menu.
Get Weekly Family Ideas
Want more easy recipes, activity ideas, and family life tips delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the MyKidsTime newsletter for a helping of fresh ideas every week.
Have your say! Do your kids love macaroni cheese? Are you going to try this out for dinner time? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
