What is Mary Berry Mac and Cheese?
Among the countless comfort foods that grace our tables, Mary Berry’s Mac and Cheese holds a special place in my heart.
This dish is a testament to the simple yet profound joy that comfort food can bring. Mary Berry, a culinary icon known for her straightforward and wholesome approach to cooking, offers a version of Mac and Cheese that is both comforting and subtly elegant.
Her recipe enhances the classic with a perfectly balanced cheese sauce and a gratifyingly crispy breadcrumb topping, making it a standout dish that’s always a hit, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
What Goes Best with Mary Berry Mac and Cheese?
Mary Berry’s Mac and Cheese is wonderfully versatile, pairing beautifully with a variety of sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts complement the creamy pasta perfectly. If you’re looking to indulge, serving it alongside a piece of grilled chicken or a slice of garlic bread makes for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
To recreate Mary Berry’s Mac and Cheese, you’ll need:
- 250g macaroni
- 40g butter
- 40g all-purpose flour
- 600ml milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard (preferably Dijon)
- 250g grated cheddar cheese
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the topping:
- A handful of breadcrumbs
- 25g grated Parmesan cheese
- A sprinkle of paprika (optional)
How to Prepare Mary Berry Mac and Cheese
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in the mustard, then add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, reserving some Parmesan for the topping. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix well until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with the reserved Parmesan and sprinkle over the top. Add a sprinkle of paprika for a bit of color and flavor if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Mary Berry Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 250 g macaroni
- 40 g butter
- 40 g all-purpose flour
- 600 ml milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard preferably Dijon
- 250 g grated cheddar cheese
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the topping:
- A handful of breadcrumbs
- 25 g grated Parmesan cheese
- A sprinkle of paprika optional
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux, cooking for a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens. Stir in the mustard, then add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, reserving some Parmesan for the topping. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and mix well until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with the reserved Parmesan and sprinkle over the top. Add a sprinkle of paprika for a bit of color and flavor if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Notes
Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until hot throughout. Remove the foil towards the end to crisp up the topping.
Stovetop: Reheating on the stovetop is less ideal but can be done by placing the mac and cheese in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk, and stirring gently until heated through.
How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Mac and Cheese Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to Serve Mary Berry Mac and Cheese
Serve Mary Berry’s Mac and Cheese hot from the oven, ideally when it’s bubbling and the breadcrumb topping is beautifully golden. It’s best enjoyed as is, with your chosen side dishes to complement its creamy, cheesy goodness.
How to Reheat Mary Berry Mac and Cheese
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a microwave-safe lid or vented plastic wrap, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes, or until hot throughout. Remove the foil towards the end to crisp up the topping.
- Stovetop: Reheating on the stovetop is less ideal but can be done by placing the mac and cheese in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk, and stirring gently until heated through.
How to Store Leftovers of Mary Berry Mac and Cheese
Cool any leftovers to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Mary Berry Mac and Cheese
Can I add extras to the mac and cheese? Absolutely! Mary Berry’s recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to add cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even some spinach for a twist.
Can I use different cheeses? Yes, while the recipe suggests cheddar and Parmesan, you can experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or any cheese that melts well.
Nutritional Information
Approximately, per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 600-700
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 35g (saturated: 20g)
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
The nutritional content will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. Mary Berry’s Mac and Cheese is a delightful rendition of a beloved classic, offering warmth, comfort, and the joy of home-cooked goodness. Its creamy texture and rich flavor profile make it a favorite in my kitchen, and it’s sure to become a cherished dish in yours as well.
