Macaroni Cheese Recipe
Macaroni Cheese is a classic and comforting dish that combines tender macaroni pasta with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. It’s a favorite among many for its indulgent flavor and satisfying, gooey texture. This particular Macaroni Cheese recipe is brought to you by the Hairy Bikers, the well-known British TV chefs and food enthusiasts who have a knack for creating delicious,
hearty meals that are loved by people of all ages. In their rendition of Macaroni Cheese, the Hairy Bikers infuse their unique twist and expertise into this beloved dish, making it a must-try for anyone seeking a mouthwatering, homemade comfort food experience.
Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- Macaroni pasta
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Mustard
- Nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
- Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions.
- While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and translucent.
- Add the chorizo or sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the cayenne pepper, paprika and nutmeg and cook for a further minute.
- Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for a further minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until you have a smooth sauce.
- Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese, Gruyère cheese and crayfish tails.
- Drain the macaroni and add it to the saucepan. Mix well to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni cheese is golden brown and bubbling.
- Serve immediately.
Who is this recipe for?
The Hairy Bikers’ Macaroni Cheese recipe is for anyone who enjoys indulgent and comforting dishes. It’s a classic and crowd-pleasing recipe suitable for a wide audience, including families, individuals, and anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying homemade meal. The rich and creamy nature of macaroni cheese makes
it a popular choice for people of all ages, and the Hairy Bikers’ version adds their unique twist to the dish, making it appealing to those who appreciate their culinary style. Whether you’re a fan of the Hairy Bikers or just a lover of macaroni and cheese, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds.
How to make Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- Macaroni pasta
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Mustard
- Nutmeg
- Salt and pepper
Preparation Process
Hairy Bikers’ Macaroni Cheese, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni pasta and cook it until it reaches the desired doneness, usually just slightly undercooked, known as al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a separate saucepan, melt a generous knob of butter over medium heat, then add an equal amount of flour to create a roux, stirring continuously to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth and lump-free sauce forms. Incorporate a generous portion of grated Cheddar and Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until the mixture becomes wonderfully creamy. Season the sauce with a dash of mustard, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir these ingredients in well. Now, combine the cooked macaroni with the luscious cheese sauce, ensuring every pasta piece is coated evenly.
Transfer this mixture to a baking dish and generously sprinkle more grated Cheddar and Parmesan cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust. Preheat your oven to around 180°C (350°F), then bake the dish for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is beautifully golden and bubbling. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool briefly before serving. Enjoy your homemade Hairy Bikers’ Macaroni Cheese as a comforting and mouthwatering meal, complete with that irresistible cheesy crust that’s sure to please the whole family.
Making the Cheese Sauce:
To create the indulgent cheese sauce that makes the Hairy Bikers’ Macaroni Cheese so delicious, begin by heating a saucepan over medium heat. In this pan, melt a generous amount of butter, which will provide a rich, buttery flavor to the sauce. Once the butter has melted, it’s time to add an equal amount of flour to create a roux. This roux will not only thicken the sauce but also add a velvety texture. Stir the flour and butter together, cooking for a couple of minutes to ensure the raw taste of the flour is eliminated.
Next, it’s time to gradually whisk in milk. This step is essential for forming a smooth and creamy base for your cheese sauce. Continue stirring the mixture diligently to avoid any lumps, and keep cooking until it thickens into a silky consistency. Now, it’s the cheese’s turn to shine. Add a generous portion of grated Cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. The Cheddar contributes sharpness and creaminess, while the Parmesan imparts a nutty and salty kick. As these cheeses melt into the sauce, the aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering.
To elevate the flavors, season the sauce with a hint of mustard, a pinch of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings add depth and complexity to the cheese sauce, making it a perfect complement to the macaroni. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Cooking Process
Once you have prepared the cheese sauce and combined it with the cooked macaroni, it’s time to move on to the cooking process. Preheat your oven to a specific temperature, typically around 180°C (350°F), to ensure even cooking and browning.
With the oven preheating, transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking. To achieve that signature golden and cheesy crust, generously sprinkle an additional layer of grated Cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top of your macaroni and sauce.
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top becomes beautifully golden and starts to bubble. Keep a watchful eye on it during this time to ensure it doesn’t overcook or burn.
Serving Suggestion
For an enjoyable and complete dining experience with the Hairy Bikers’ Macaroni Cheese, consider pairing it with a side salad and some warm, freshly baked garlic bread. The refreshing side salad, often featuring a mix of crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette, offers a delightful contrast to the rich and creamy macaroni and cheese. It adds a burst of freshness and color to your plate, balancing the flavors and textures.
The warm, aromatic garlic bread, with its crispy crust and soft, garlic-infused interior, is an ideal companion to this dish. Served alongside, it provides a satisfying crunch and garlicky kick that harmonizes beautifully with the creamy, cheesy goodness of the macaroni. This combination turns your meal into a memorable, well-rounded feast.
With the Hairy Bikers’ Macaroni Cheese as the centerpiece, the side salad and garlic bread elevate the dining experience, offering a balance of flavors and textures that cater to a variety of tastes. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy this classic comfort food with a touch of culinary finesse. So, serve up this delectable trio and savor the delightful contrasts in every bite.
Conclusion
Hairy Bikers’ Macaroni Cheese is a comforting and delicious dish that brings together the creamy richness of a luscious cheese sauce with perfectly cooked macaroni pasta. This recipe, lovingly prepared by the Hairy Bikers, offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With its smooth and velvety cheese sauce, golden, bubbling crust, and the irresistible combination of flavors, it’s a meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
By following the step-by-step preparation and cooking process, you can create a mouthwatering Macaroni Cheese that’s both satisfying and indulgent. The cheese sauce, with its rich, buttery roux, and the addition of Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. The mustard, nutmeg, and seasonings enhance the sauce, making it the perfect partner for the cooked macaroni.
To complete the experience, consider serving the Macaroni Cheese with a side salad and freshly baked garlic bread. The side salad offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish, while the garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch and garlicky kick, creating a well-rounded and memorable meal.
Whether you’re a fan of the Hairy Bikers or simply a lover of comfort food, this recipe is a must-try. It’s a dish that’s suitable for families and individuals alike, and it’s perfect for those seeking a homemade meal that’s both hearty and delectable. So, follow this recipe, savor the flavors, and enjoy your homemade Hairy Bikers’ Macaroni Cheese – a true culinary delight that’s bound to leave you craving for more.
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