Classic mac and cheese

Name: Classic mac and cheese
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 400g macaroni; 30g unsalted butter; 2 tbsp plain flour; 300ml whole milk; 200g grated mature cheddar, plus 2 tbsp for the top

Preparation and cooking time
- Total time40 mins
Easy
Serves 4

Ingredients

400g macaroni
30g unsalted butter
2 tbsp plain flour
300ml whole milk
200g grated mature cheddar, plus 2 tbsp for the top

Method

STEP 1
Heat the oven (if using, see step 4) to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. Cook the macaroni in a large pan of boiling salted water following pack instructions until al dente, then drain well.
STEP 2
Melt the butter in a large pan over a medium heat. Tip in the flour and stir well. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the mixture turns sandy and smells slightly nutty. Tip the milk into the pan and whisk really thoroughly to get rid of any lumps. Bubble for a few minutes to thicken, then tip in the grated cheddar. Whisk again until fully melted, then season to taste.
STEP 3
Stir the macaroni into the sauce, then tip into a 20cm x 30cm baking dish. Scatter over the remaining cheddar, then bake or grill for 20 minutes until golden and crisp on top.