Best ever macaroni cheese recipe

Method

• step 1

  Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Spread the baguette chunks over a baking sheet, drizzle with the melted butter and season. Bake for 6 mins until crisp, then set aside.

  

• step 2

  Boil the pasta for 2 mins less than stated on the pack, then drain.

  

• step 3

  Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the garlic and English mustard powder, cook for 1 min, then stir in the plain flour.

  

• step 4

  Cook for 1 min more, then gradually whisk in the milk until you have a lump-free sauce.

  

• step 5

  Simmer for 5 mins, whisking all the time until thickened. Take off the heat, then stir in the cheddar and half the parmesan.

  

• step 6

  Stir the pasta and some seasoning into the cheesy sauce. Tip into a large ovenproof dish, or four individual dishes.

  

• step 7

  Scatter over the bread and the remaining parmesan, then bake for 20 mins until crisp and golden. Can be frozen before baking – defrost thoroughly before cooking.