Macaroni Cheese (Bill Granger)

One must try dish for every featured chef for the event Cook Like A Star :)
Now is Bill Granger's turn :)

Recipe is from HERE
Original recipe is from Bill's book called 'Feed Me Now' and the original name for this dish is 'Cheesy Pasta Gratin'
But just like Niamh, to me it's macaroni cheese :)

No question asked, this dish was loved by my kids (not DH, he's not into creamy pasta)

What you need:

250g macaroni (or penne)
1.5 tbsp plain flour
1.5 tbsp butter
440ml fresh milk
125g cheddar / gruyere / any other hard cheese - grated (I used cheddar)
salt, pepper
70g breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
1.5 tbsp grated parmesan (I used 3 tbsp)
zest of 1/4 lemon
10 slices of breakfast ham - sliced (my addition)

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 200degC. Cook pasta according to instruction
2. Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in the saucepan, add in flour. Stir til smooth and cook, stir about 2 mins. Remove pan from heat, gradually add in milk, whisk constantly. Return pan to the heat, cook, still whisking until thickened. Add in cheddar cheese, stir to melt. Season with salt and pepper
3. Heat a little oil and cook ham slices til slightly browned and cooked
4. Now, mix breadcrumb, olive oil, parmesan cheese and lemon zest in a bowl - mix well
5. Drain pasta as soon as it's cooked and add into the cheese sauce, followed by the ham slices
6. Mix well, transfer to the baking dish
7. Scatter breadcrumb mixture over it and bake for 15 to 20 mins til golden brown

This post is for Cook like a Star, organised by Zoe from Bake for Happy Kids, Yen from Eat your heart out and Mich from Piece of Cake


The biggest fan of creamy pasta in the house posed with this delicious mac and cheese :)