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–+ servings
mac and cheese straight out of the oven. crispy and cheesy

Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Stevie G
Our easy baked macaroni and cheese features a rich, velvety cheese sauce and a golden, bubbly crust. The ultimate South African family comfort food!
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Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine South African
Servings 8 people
Calories 258 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 grams macaroni
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 liters water boiling
  • ¼ tsp cooking oil
  • 200 grams chedder cheese grated
  • 50 grams bread crumbs

Instructions
 

  • Bring the water to a boil with the salt added.
  • Add the oil to the water.
  • Add macaroni.
  • Boil until al dente - 12 - 20 minutes.
  • Drain water.
  • Put the macaroni in a greased pan. Pour over the white sauce to cover macaroni completely.
  • Sprinkle the cheese over the dish.
  • Top with bread crumbs.
  • Bake for 30 minutes at 180°C. If needed to crisp bread crumbs, grill for 3 minutes.

Notes

  • The Sauce is Everything: The secret to this creamy baked mac and cheese is a perfectly smooth, lump-free white sauce. If you need a reliable recipe, refer to our guide on white sauce.
  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook your macaroni until it is just shy of al dente (a minute or two less than the packet instructions). It will finish cooking in the oven and absorb the delicious sauce without becoming mushy.
  • Make a Bubbly Crust: For the perfect golden-brown, bubbly crust, use a mix of grated cheese and breadcrumbs for the topping. A light drizzle of melted butter over the topping before baking will help it brown beautifully.
  • Flavour Boosts: Enhance your cheese sauce with a pinch of paprika, a dash of mustard powder, or even a little bit of grated onion for extra depth. Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavour.
  • Serving Suggestions: While a meal on its own, this mac and cheese is the perfect side dish for a braai or a main for a Sunday lunch. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some boerewors.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 258kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 9gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 353mgPotassium: 152mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mg
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