Australian culinary maestro Curtis Stone has let slip a closely-guarded kitchen secret that promises to revolutionise the way Brits make that ultimate comfort food: macaroni and cheese.
The celebrity chef, known for his appearances on shows like Take Home Chef and My Kitchen Rules, has revealed that his recipe for the perfect, restaurant-quality mac and cheese hinges on one surprisingly simple ingredient found in almost every pantry.
The Magic Ingredient Isn't What You Think
Forget extra fancy cheeses or complicated techniques. Stone's key to an irresistibly creamy and decadent sauce is a humble spread: cream cheese.
While a blend of good-quality cheddar provides the classic flavour base, Stone insists that adding a block of cream cheese is the non-negotiable step that prevents any graininess and creates an unbelievably smooth, velvety texture that clings to every piece of pasta.
Why This Simple Swap Works Wonders
This clever trick is a game-changer for home cooks. The cream cheese acts as an emulsifier, stabilising the sauce and ensuring it remains luxuriously creamy instead of splitting or becoming oily—a common pitfall when making cheese sauces.
The result is a mac and cheese that is far superior to any boxed version, with a rich, tangy depth of flavour and a professional-quality consistency that feels indulgent and sophisticated.
How To Craft Curtis Stone's Ultimate Mac and Cheese
While the cream cheese is the star, Stone's method involves a few other key steps for the best results:
- Start with a classic béchamel: Create a simple white sauce (a roux of butter and flour, whisked with milk) as your foundation.
- Whisk in the cream cheese: Before adding your shredded cheddar, fully incorporate room-temperature cream cheese into the warm béchamel until completely smooth.
- Fold in the cheddar: Gradually add your sharp cheddar off the heat to melt gently without becoming stringy.
- Bake to perfection: Top with a buttery breadcrumb mixture and bake until golden and bubbling for that essential crispy top layer.
This pro tip from a world-renowned chef demonstrates that sometimes, the simplest additions can have the most dramatic impact, turning a weeknight staple into a show-stopping side dish or main event.
