This is my foolproof Mac & Cheese recipe! A crispy stringy cheesy comforting side dish, for me this dish goes alongside a big Sunday dinner of Oxtail, rice and peas, fried plantain and callaloo! But it’s equally delicious eaten with fried chicken or just on its own! 

I don’t like my Mac & Cheese too wet, so if you’re looking for a gloopy, sloppy mac and cheese recipe this isn't the one for you. But this recipe is pure comfort food that will satisfy your soul! 

If you’re vegan this recipe is totally doable, I’ve popped substitutes next to the ingredients that will need swapping.

Ingredients

Macaroni of your choice 

2 tbsp All-purpose flour

2 tbsp butter (you can use vegan option)

500ml Milk (use plant-based if vegan)

2 tsp mustard

2 sprigs of fresh thyme

½ white onion finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1 tsp grated nutmeg

1 tsp paprika

3 cup grated cheddar (swap for vegan cheese)

1 cup grated mozzarella (swap for vegan cheese)

½ cup grated parmesan (swap for vegan cheese)

½ cup breadcrumbs

Salt and Black pepper to taste

Method: 

 1.Preheat your oven to 180 degrees.

2.Cook your pasta according to the instructions on the packet, you want it to be al dente as it will cook more in the oven. Drain and set aside.

3.Heat the butter in a saucepan on a low heat until melted, turn the heat up to a medium heat then add in your flour and whisk to form your roux. Gradually add in the milk whisking continuously and quickly, ensure that there are no lumps, lower the heat and stir until your sauce begins to thicken. 

4.Add in the chopped onions, crushed garlic, mustard, nutmeg, paprika, thyme, salt and pepper and mix well and remove from the heat. 

5. Stir in 1 cup of the cheddar, the heat from the sauce will melt it, so keep stirring until it’s combined well with the sauce. 

6.Add your pasta to the sauce and mix well, pour in ½ of the pasta mixture into an ovenproof dish and sprinkle ½ cup of cheddar and ¼ cup of the mozzarella onto the bottom layer. 

7.Pour the remaining pasta mixture into the dish and spread evenly as a final layer, and sprinkle all of the remaining cheese on top, then top with the breadcrumbs. 

8.Pop in the oven and bake for 30 mins, until the cheese and breadcrumbs are golden brown. 

9.Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 mins before serving.