Macaroni & Cheese
Prep
15 min
Cook
25 min
Total
40 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Calories
520 kcal
The ultimate comfort food: macaroni in a melting cheddar béchamel, baked until golden and crusty. A generous vegetarian dish loved by all ages.
Ingredients
- 400 g macaroni
- 50 g butter
- 50 g flour
- 600 ml milk
- 200 g grated cheddar
- 50 g grated parmesan
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- A little mustard (optional)
- Salt, pepper
Method
- 1Cook the macaroni al dente, drain.
- 2Make a roux: melt the butter, add flour, cook 1 min stirring.
- 3Whisk in the milk gradually; cook until thickened.
- 4Off the heat, stir in the cheddar, nutmeg and mustard; season.
- 5Mix the sauce with the macaroni.
- 6Tip into a dish, scatter parmesan.
- 7Bake 20 minutes at 200 °C until golden.
Tips & tricks
- Grate the cheese yourself — it melts better than pre-shredded.
- A little mustard lifts the sauce.
- For crunch, add breadcrumbs on top.
Variations
- Add broccoli or spinach for more veg.
- Cheese blend: cheddar + gruyère + mozzarella.
Storage
2–3 days refrigerated; reheat in the oven with a splash of milk.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
520 kcal
Protein
22 g
Carbs
58 g
Fat
24 g
Fibre
3 g
Sugar
8 g
Ingredient substitutions
- Butter : coconut oil, plant-based margarine or nut butter (dairy-free / vegan).
- Milk : plant-based drink (almond, oat, soy).
- Wheat flour : a gluten-free flour blend (rice + buckwheat) or ground almonds.
- Parmesan : nutritional yeast or another hard cheese.
What to serve it with
- A dressed green salad
- Fresh bread or a starchy side
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- A wine matched to the dish (to taste)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to make "Macaroni & Cheese"?
Allow about 15 min of prep and 25 min of cooking, i.e. 40 min in total for 4 servings.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it's an "Easy" recipe: perfect for beginners, with no special technique required.
Can I make "Macaroni & Cheese" ahead and store it?
2–3 days refrigerated; reheat in the oven with a splash of milk.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The quantities are for 4 servings. To adjust, simply multiply or divide the ingredients by the number of guests.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, "Macaroni & Cheese" is vegetarian: it contains no meat or fish.
How many calories per serving?
One serving provides about 520 kcal, including 22 g of protein, 58 g of carbs and 24 g of fat.
