Mary Berry Macaroni Cheese Recipe Step-by-Step

Ah, yes, the absolute favorite of mine, so when you hear the word, Macaroni and Cheese, what comes to your mind? Don’t know about you. For me, it’s the rich, smoothie texture and the delicate taste, or a hearty, juicy dinner. Well, whatever the case, Mary has something very special in store for you, and it’s her Macaroni and cheese recipe, which is going to blow your brains out with a big punch. You could also check out some of the best homemade mac and cheese recipes for even more creamy comfort food inspiration.

And let me tell you this isn’t just any cheesy pasta, it’s creamy, golden-topped bliss, crafted by Britain’s beloved baking queen. Perfect for feeding the whole family on a weeknight or if you’re looking for a heartwarming dish on a rainy Sunday. Mary’s recipe delivers every time. So, let me help you walk through it step by step.

Mary Berry Cheese Recipe

Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese is a classic British comfort food dish known for its creamy, rich flavor. It features pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce, often made with a combination of cheddar and Parmesan. The dish is baked to create a crispy golden topping, adding texture to the creamy base. It’s a favorite family meal, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese

Hang in there, don’t rush in yet. First things first, here’s what you’ll need to bring this magic to life:

300g macaroni
50g butter
50g plain flour
600ml milk (semi-skimmed works great)
250g mature cheddar cheese, grated
1 tsp English mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
50g grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, or cherry tomatoes for topping. It’s completely optional if you don’t want to, then don’t.

So, there you go. Not too hard, is it? I hope you don’t need a fancy supermarket adventure.

These pantry staples have just the right personality to stand out.

Easy Guide to Make the Best Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese

Now then, with everything out of the way, let’s break it all down like Mary would in her very own way, which is calm, clear, and a touch of kindness.

Here it is:

Put macaroni into boiling salted water.
Start cooking that premium macaroni according to its package instructions for at least 1 to 2 minutes, and then drain it completely to prevent it from being soaked with water.
After that, make sure to heat the pan over a medium flame while melting the butter inside it.
Now, start combining the flour with the mixture, and in 30 seconds, you will create a roux which you have to leave for one minute so it can cook nicely.
Stir the milk gently until the mixture becomes smooth before letting it reach a thickened consistency.
Add mustard and cheddar cheese pieces into the mixture. Season it to your perfection.
Fold in the drained macaroni into the baking dish, which is around 2.5L.
Properly layer the leftover cheddar on top of the dish, and add Parmesan and breadcrumbs to achieve that extra crispiness. Who doesn’t like crunchy things?
Finally, bake it in the 200°C heated oven for about 5 to 10 minutes until the casserole turns golden with a bubbly texture.

Once everything is done, don’t wait even for a single second, just immediately serve that piping hot feast.

And then just wait for it if you don’t hear a single fuss. Congratulations, you have done it, my friend. You have made it as a fine chef.

What’s the Secret Sauce?

Are you interested in knowing the trick? To be honest, it’s something every human should have, and that is Patience, because dear Mary would never put the metal on the pedal with this one.

By cooking both the flour and butter properly before adding the milk, you can easily avoid that generic taste with a much smoother base.

Also, if you stir in some cheese without too much heat, it will keep the sauce from turning all hard and gritty.

All of this is about making those small, smart moves that can make all the difference. Yep, you heard that right, even the tiniest error can cause big disasters.

So be careful because you don’t want to spoil it, as that would make everyone’s day a downer.

Great Additions for a Much More Personal Touch

If you’re thinking, I want to add something much more creative, then of course you can easily do that.

Here are some of our fine choices that are perfect for your imagination:

Crispy Bacon or Pancetta: Will make it a really salty and crunchy treat.

Spinach or Kale: Add this if you are into extra greens.

Sautee Mushrooms: If you want to have an earthy or savoury taste.

Caramel Onions: You can add this if you have a sweet tooth.

Japan Cherry Tomatoes: Who doesn’t like these little cuties? They will color your dish and brighten it up when it’s fully baked.

Mozzarella or Gruyère: You can mix or swap it with cheddar for some extra nuttiness. Love cheesy dishes? Don’t miss out on these quick and easy breakfast recipes using Kraft cheese to kickstart your mornings.

Breadcrumbs with Herbs: It will make for the perfect golden, crunchy topping.

Dijon mustard or Paprika: Add any one of them if you want to have a twisted flavor.

These quickies are going to make a night and day difference for you, so give them a try.

What Can You Serve with Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese?

I know too much of that cheese can be a heavy toll on the stomach, so how do you balance it all out for a perfect combo?

And if you’re curious, macaroni is one of many delicious foods that begin with M worth exploring!

I have got you covered, take a look:

Fresh Green Salad: Drench it in some lemon, and it will cut through all the creaminess.
Some Roasted Vegetables: Want more color and texture? No problemo, Use Broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
Tasty Garlic Bread: Oh, absolutely, it is ideal for soaking up extra sauce. Who says no to more carbs?
Creamy Coleslaw: Of course, how can you forget this? A tangy crunch complements the softness of that cheesy pasta.
Hot Tomato Soup: Very soothing for the soul, a comforting, classic combo if you’re going full cosy.

I Don’t Know Merry Berry, and Why is Her Macaroni Cheese Such a Delicacy?

So, who is she, and why should I care? That’s what you are thinking, right?

Well, I am not gonna hold you to the ropes. Mary Berry is practically royalty when it comes to home cooking in the UK.

With decades of cookbooks, telly appearances, and her signature no-fuss style, she’s won hearts across generations.

Her macaroni cheese recipe? It’s a staple. Why? Because it blends simplicity with comfort in the most elegant way.

It is just the kind of dish your beloved grandma might’ve made for you, but with Mary’s polished touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here me out, you think this is all going to be easy, right?

Yeah, it is, but don’t be too overconfident, as things still can go wrong, so let me give you some of my top tips on how to steer clear of trouble.

Don’t overcook it.

Explore and use other types of cheeses.

Stop adding too much milk and cream.

Make sure to season with all the condiments.

Be calm and let it rest for a little while when it is cooking.

Always use the right type of macaroni.

Double check to make sure that everything has melted and is nice and toasty.

So, Can You Store It?

Yeah, no problem. Just let it cool down. And did you know that you can freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months?

Yep, that’s amazing, right? Why not extend the enjoyment a bit further?

Finally, when it’s time to bite again, all you need to do is put it in the fridge overnight, and then the next day, warm it in your oven at 180°C or in a microwave for 15 minutes with milk to restore its creaminess.

Let Mary Make You All Good and Jolly

In the end, this ain’t a recipe, it is a warm hug in a bowl. And the best part about it? It always hits the right spot perfectly.

So the next time, if you are stuck, you know where to turn. Mary’s guide has got you covered.

FAQs

Can I, as a teenager, cook this?

Just follow this guide, my friend.

Which is the best premium cheese to go with it?

Red Leicester, grab it from the store with your eyes closed. You won’t regret it

The sauce keeps separating. How do I stop it?

Make sure to add some milk and stir it very gently.