Crunchy Macaroni & Cheese

You can't beat the king of comfort foods, macaroni and cheese except with its own kind but better – one with a crispy top formed by a combination of breadcrumbs, cheese and even more cheese.

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Difficulty Level: 3/5

Ingredients

• 60 g butter
• ¼ cup (25 g) plain (all-purpose) flour
• 1.25 litre (5 cups) milk
• 1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• 1 cup (80 g) grated parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup (40 g) grated gruyere cheese
• ⅓ cup (40 g) grated cheddar cheese
• 400 g macaroni pasta
• 200 g speck, cut into 1 cm pieces
• 20 g butter, extra
• 150 g sourdough bread, crust removed, torn into small chunks
• 1 tbsp coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Steps

01. Preheat oven to 180 C. Lightly grease a 2.5 litre (10 cups) ovenproof dish.

02. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; cook, stirring until mixture bubbles. Gradually stir in milk, stirring constantly until all the milk is incorporated and sauce is smooth.

03. Add nutmeg; cook, stirring until mixture boils and thickens. Remove pan from heat; add cheeses, mix well. Season to taste.

04. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large saucepan of boiling salted boiling water for 5 mins or until just tender. Drain.

05. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat; cook speck and extra butter, stirring, for 5 mins or until lightly browned. Add half the speck to the cheese sauce. Add sourdough to remaining speck; stir until well combined.

06. Stir pasta into cheese sauce. Pour mixture into ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with bread mixture. Bake for 20 mins or until bread is golden and crisp. Sprinkle with parsley.

TIP

You could also make this recipe in two 1.25 litre (5 cups) ovenproof dishes, if you prefer. Make child-friendly by omitting the gruyère and increasing the cheddar. Recipe is not suitable to freeze.

Photo: bauersyndication.com.au