Creamy Macaroni Cheese

preparation

Simple in nature, complex in taste, this Creamy Macaroni Cheese is the perfect companion at potlucks or luncheons with friends and family. Experience a seemingly never-ending evolution of flavour from the cheddar, enhanced by smooth cream and rich whole milk. Let this one be your go-to option when cravings for comfort food has you longing for macaroni cheese. Follow our recipe on how to make Creamy Macaroni Cheese and watch friends and family fall in love.

Method

1. Cook the macaroni pasta according to the packet instructions in a large pan of boiling salted water until al dente.

2. In a saucepan add milk and cream and bring to a boil. Season with whole grain mustard, freshly ground pepper and salt.

3. Grate Castello® Tickler Mature Cheddar and mix with corn starch.

4, Turn the hob down to a medium heat and stir in grated mature cheddar with the corn-starch, ensuring that you are continually stirring the mixture until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Drain the macaroni and add to the cheese sauce. Carefully stir for 3-4 minutes until the macaroni is covered with sauce.

6. Season with nutmeg and serve straight away.

The right combination

A colourful stream of sweet fruit and mild butter from the cheddar, blended with velvety cream and wholesome milk, produce a deep and rich flavour with a smooth finish. Combined, they join to create the iconic creamy sauce, universally loved by all who try it. In our recipe, we will show you how to make the perfect macaroni cheese with an unwaveringly creamy sauce, perfect for impressing friends and family, or enjoying by yourself. Fresh and homemade beats frozen and prepacked every time, and with macaroni cheese, you will never want to turn back to the frozen section ever again

Picking the right cheese

With a dish as cheese-heavy as this, picking the wrong cheese could result in a frail or bland flavour. Finding a cheese with a distinct bite and savour is key to achieving the iconic macaroni and cheese taste. For this recipe, our Castello® Tickler Mature Cheddar strikes the perfect balance between texture and taste. While most other cheeses would fail to stand out, this matured cheddar provides a strong kick and stands in perfect contrast to the cream and milk. Naturally formed salt crystals have made the consistency of the body crumbly, making it perfect for melting. Enjoy your macaroni cheese without lumps or strings, and with an even layer of silky-smooth sauce. A touch of heat and piquancy from the whole-grain mustard help bind it all together and offers an added bite

The perfect pairing

Just as seasoning your dish is all about combining flavours that taste good together, the same can be said for your drink. It might seem over the top, but it really makes a huge difference in how you perceive the flavours. For the ultimate experience, pair your macaroni and cheese with a glass of something that compliments the dish. Whether you prefer beer or wine, both should cater to the strongest flavour. When opting for wine, personal taste has the final say in what you should go with, but picking the right kind truly elevates the dish to a new level. The sharp finish of our Castello® Tickler Mature Cheddar matches perfectly with the vibrant and delicate aromas from a Pinot Noir, and the bolder, stronger Cabernet Sauvignon makes for an equally fulfilling sensation. When picking a beer, look for one with a malty palate and mild bitterness, i.e. an English Pale Ale