A simple macaroni cheese recipe needed

[mixedmamameansbusiness]

I realise this is probably a really easy thing to do, but I have no idea how to make a cheese sauce or whatever but want to make this for my DC tonight.

I only have spiral pasta too and not macaroni - does this matter really?

Shape of pasta doesn't matter at all - spiral is fine.

www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/macaronicheese_83521

I sometimes put bacon, mushrooms, peas etc in too. And sometimes slice tomatoes and lie them on top.

A 'roux' is just the mixture of flour and butter which forms the base of a milky sauce and allows it to thicken. Kitchen chemistry! Enjoy. My DCs love it.

I do cheese sauce in the microwave - its so easy. Put a pint of milk in a bowl with 2 tablespoons of flour and about an ounce of butter. Microwave on high for 2 mins, whisk, microwave for another 2 mins, whisk again then microwave for 1 min. It should be thick by then and you can add the grated cheese. Simple!

If you put in a large teaspoon of dijon or other mustard into the cheese sauce, it gives it extra 'oomph' and stops being too bland

A good hand whisk is very very useful for the sauce, makes it very easy (and quick) indeed to get it smooth.. don't be tempted to blast the sauce with heat as you make it. Gentle to middle heat, nice and steady and don't leave the pan for the five or ten minutes making/stirring time.

And agree on a dollop of mustard for colour and yum factor. Does not come out hot!!! Just a bit deeper in flavour.

We are mac cheese-ing tonight too!!!!

Ditto on bacon/pea/diced carrot/tomatoes and often i do a breadcrumb topping for added crunch. Breadcrumbs, mixed in with some melted butter, sprinkled on top of the mac cheese and voila. 20 minutes in the oven to brown up and yum yum bloody in MY tum.

Thanks so much everyone. Am aticipating a hit as pasta is a fave here as is cheese.

Oh yes - I put mustard in mine too.

Definately mustard, definately bacon/pancetta, and definately finely sliced and sauteed leeks. Can also top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and parmesan for crunchy top. Love mac'n'cheese.