SPAR / Recipes / Macaroni Cheese

Macaroni Cheese

Truly a well-loved classic in many South African homes, which, if made using the correct proportions of sauce to pasta, provides a delicious “comfort-food” meal with wide-age appeal.

Level

Easy

Prep time

30 minutes

Cooking time

15 minutes

Serving5 People

Ingredients

SPAR Italian Style Macaroni250 g
SPAR Bread Spread 50% fat margarine (50 ml)50 g
SPAR cake flour (100 ml)50 g
SPAR milk, warmed500 ml
Salt and white pepper to taste1
SPAR grated cheddar cheese (625 ml)230 g
Fresh breadcrumbs (+-180 ml), or less if using dry toasted breadcrumbs38 g
Medium SPAR Freshline tomatoes, sliced into rounds2

Instructions

01

Step 1

Pre-heat oven to 200 ° C.

02

Step 2

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add in the macaroni and bring back to the boil. Cook steadily and well covered with the water, for 8 minutes until just tender/al dente.

03

Step 3

Meanwhile, prepare a basic white sauce by melting the margarine in a separate pot, and stirring in the flour to a smooth paste. Cook for 2 minutes over medium heat.

04

Step 4

Gradually pour in the warmed milk, using a hand-whisk to stir continuously, until the sauce thickens to a velvety smooth consistency. Remove from the stove as soon as it comes to the boil, and season with salt and pepper.

05

Step 5

Tip the macaroni and its cooking water into a colander over the sink. Shake to remove all excess water.

06

Step 6

Add the drained pasta into the pot of sauce along with approximately 500 ml of the measured grated cheese. Transfer to a lightly greased oven-dish.

07

Step 7

Arrange the tomato slices over the top, and sprinkle over a mixture of breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese.

08

Step 8

Bake in pre-heated oven for 15 minutes until the topping is crisp and golden. Allow the dish 10 minutes standing time, for it to settle and firm up for easier serving.