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Macaroni Cheese

by . Featured in NIGELLA EXPRESS
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Introduction

This is the shortcut version: no cheese sauce, but a gorgeously huge amount of cheese, bound with egg and evaporated milk. Yum.

And please read the Additional Information section at the end of the recipe before proceeding.

For US cup measures, use the toggle at the top of the ingredients list.

This is the shortcut version: no cheese sauce, but a gorgeously huge amount of cheese, bound with egg and evaporated milk. Yum.

And please read the Additional Information section at the end of the recipe before proceeding.

For US cup measures, use the toggle at the top of the ingredients list.

Macaroni Cheese
Photo by Lis Parsons

Ingredients

Serves: 4

Metric Cups
  • 250 grams macaroni
  • 250 grams mature cheddar (or red leicester or mix of both)
  • 250 millilitres evaporated milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • grating of fresh nutmeg
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)
  • 8 ounces macaroni
  • 2 cups mature cheddar (or red leicester or mix of both)
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • grating of fresh nutmeg
  • salt (to taste)
  • pepper (to taste)

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/gas mark 7/425°F. Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions, drain and then put back into the hot pan.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, put the cheese, evaporated milk, eggs and nutmeg in a processor and blitz to mix. Or grate the cheese and mix everything by hand.
  3. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni, stir well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Tip into a 25.5 cm/10 inch-diameter dish (wide and shallow is best) and bake in the very hot oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is bubbling and blistering on top.
  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/gas mark 7/425°F. Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions, drain and then put back into the hot pan.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, put the cheese, evaporated milk, eggs and nutmeg in a processor and blitz to mix. Or grate the cheese and mix everything by hand.
  3. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni, stir well, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Tip into a 25.5 cm/10 inch-diameter dish (wide and shallow is best) and bake in the very hot oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is bubbling and blistering on top.

Additional Information

For vegetarians make sure the cheeses are made with vegetarian rennet.

For vegetarians make sure the cheeses are made with vegetarian rennet.

Tell us what you think

What 20 Others have said

  • Fantastic Macaroni cheese delicious I've made this version many times it's a game changer with the evaporated milk I added double cream it's even more decadent fried mushrooms cooked in butter and crispy smoked bacon delicious! There's no need to make a roux it's my go to dish. Another winner Nigella x

    Posted by Odelle on 30th October 2022
  • Gourmet mac & cheese...so rich and creamy...you'll never go back. EVER!

    Posted by Waffle45 on 12th January 2020
  • This was so nice!! Definitely my new go to mac & cheese. I fried some chestnut mushrooms & smoked bacon & put it on top too...will try black pudding next time too!

    Posted by LauraG88 on 12th July 2018
  • Made this last night at it was easy and delicious. Had some leftover for breakfast! Definitely a keeper.

    Posted by Artemis57 on 21st June 2018
  • This sounds weird, but tastes amazing, and no need to make a white sauce! Result!!

    Posted by Jasper101 on 1st September 2017
  • Great stuff!

    Posted by hbeaulieu on 16th March 2016
  • It came out really amazing. Hats off !!!

    Posted by Rbmkhtr on 23rd February 2015
  • It came out really amazing. Though I hadn't nutmeg to add. I added bit of oregano leaves powder and that too worked at least for my family ...

    Posted by Rbmkhtr on 23rd February 2015
  • This is so deliciously cheesy and it has a lovely texture, so much better than the flour based sauce original. I made mine in a glass quiche dish and called it macaroni quiche.

    Posted by The Girl from Oz on 14th November 2014
  • I used cream instead of the milk and it was delicious, went down a treat with my toddlers which is always a winner :)

    Posted by Twinomummy on 5th February 2014
  • Easy, fast & tasty !!!

    Posted by TinkerBellVII on 1st November 2013
  • Mmmm sounds yum. Could try adding some silverbeet leaves, onions, spinach leaves, celery and parsley all finely chopped and simmered in a little oil till sauce like, then add that to the macaroni and bake. It makes all the difference to the flavour.

    Posted by tolifiers on 21st October 2013
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