When it comes to classic British comfort food, few dishes evoke more nostalgia than a perfectly executed macaroni cheese. Now, culinary royalty Dame Mary Berry has shared her definitive version of this family favourite, complete with her signature twist that guarantees the creamiest results imaginable.
The Secret to Mary's Unforgettable Cheese Sauce
While many home cooks struggle with lumpy or grainy cheese sauces, Mary Berry's method ensures silky perfection every time. Her game-changing ingredient? A tablespoon of creamy mustard that not only enhances the cheese flavour but creates an emulsion that keeps the sauce velvety smooth.
"The mustard is my little secret," Mary reveals. "It lifts all the flavours and gives the sauce that beautiful consistency that makes this dish so special."
Ingredients You'll Need for This Crowd-Pleaser
- 300g macaroni pasta
- 50g butter
- 50g plain flour
- 600ml whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 250g mature Cheddar cheese, grated
- 50g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Fresh breadcrumbs for topping
Mary's Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Results
- Cook the pasta in plenty of boiling salted water until just al dente, then drain well.
- Create the roux by melting butter in a large saucepan, then stirring in flour to form a paste. Cook for one minute while stirring constantly.
- Add milk gradually, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a gentle simmer until the sauce thickens beautifully.
- Incorporate the cheeses and mustard, stirring until you achieve a smooth, glossy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce in an ovenproof dish, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese for that golden, crispy topping.
- Bake at 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6 for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and gloriously golden on top.
Why This Recipe Stands Out From The Rest
Mary's version elevates the humble mac and cheese through several clever techniques. Using mature Cheddar ensures maximum flavour impact, while the Parmesan adds a sophisticated nuttiness that balances the richness. The breadcrumb topping provides the perfect textural contrast to the creamy pasta beneath.
"This isn't just student food," Mary insists. "When made with care and quality ingredients, macaroni cheese deserves a place at any dinner table. It's the ultimate in comfort cooking that brings everyone together."
Serving Suggestions from the Queen of British Cooking
While delicious on its own, Mary recommends serving this mac and cheese with a crisp green salad to cut through the richness, or with roasted tomatoes for a burst of acidity. For a complete comfort food experience, it pairs wonderfully with baked sausages or grilled bacon.
This recipe serves four to six people generously and can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. The leftovers (if there are any) reheat beautifully for next-day lunches.
