Craving a delicious and comforting dinner that can feed the whole family? Look no further than Rick Stein’s indulgent mac & cheese recipe. This dish is a true crowd-pleaser, boasting a rich, creamy sauce, a generous amount of cheese, and the irresistible smoky flavor of bacon. It’s no wonder that Rick’s recipe has earned over 90 five-star ratings on BBC Good Food, with many calling it their go-to mac & cheese recipe.
Rick himself emphasizes the importance of “esagera” – adding more of everything – in Italian cooking, and this recipe certainly reflects that philosophy. With masses of cheese and plenty of smoked bacon, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
* 100g butter
* 100g plain flour
* One teaspoon of Dijon mustard
* 1.2 litres full-fat milk
* 75ml double cream
* One bay leaf
* 400g mature cheddar, grated
* Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
* 500g dried macaroni
* 100g smoked bacon lardons or smoked pancetta
* 60g white breadcrumbs
* 50g Parmesan, grated
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan) and grease a 35x20cm ovenproof dish with butter.
2. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat, then stir in the plain flour and cook for one minute.
3. Add the Dijon mustard and remove the pan from the heat. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, then add the bay leaf.
4. Return the pan to the heat and stir constantly until the mixture boils and thickens. Remove from heat, discard the bay leaf, and add the grated cheddar. Stir until the cheese melts completely, then season generously with black pepper and a pinch of nutmeg.
5. Bring a large pan of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni. Cook for 10 minutes, or follow the packet instructions.
6. While the macaroni is cooking, fry the bacon until it becomes crispy. Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it and add it to the cheese sauce. Then, stir in the crispy bacon.
7. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared ovenproof dish. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac & cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Serve this cheesy masterpiece hot and enjoy a truly satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it alongside garlic bread or simply on its own, Rick Stein’s mac & cheese is sure to become a family favorite.
