Mary Berry’s Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe Perfect for Batch Cooking

Renowned chef Mary Berry has delighted fans with countless recipes throughout her career. In the latest episode of her new TV series, she shared a classic comfort food favorite: her creamy macaroni cheese. What makes this recipe stand out is its suitability for batch cooking, allowing you to prepare it in advance and freeze it for later enjoyment.

Mary’s macaroni cheese sauce might look thin before baking, but don’t be deceived — it thickens beautifully when cooked from frozen, making it a convenient and delicious option for busy households. Designed to serve two as a main or four as a side, it only takes around 45 minutes to bake from frozen.

Here’s how to make Mary Berry’s creamy macaroni cheese:

Ingredients

For the macaroni cheese:

Pasta (follow packet instructions)
Butter
Flour
Hot milk
Mustard
Parmesan cheese
Cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper

For the topping:

Additional cheddar cheese

Method

Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and stir for a few seconds.
Lower the heat and gradually whisk in the hot milk until the mixture is smooth.
Bring the sauce to a boil while whisking continuously until it reaches a thin, smooth consistency.
Stir in mustard, Parmesan, and cheddar cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Mix in the drained pasta until fully coated.
Transfer the mixture to a shallow ovenproof dish and sprinkle with cheddar cheese for the topping.
To freeze, let the dish cool completely, cover with clingfilm, and store in the freezer for up to three months.
To cook from frozen, preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Remove the clingfilm and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until piping hot.
If the center remains cold, cover with foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

This creamy macaroni cheese is not only comforting and delicious but also practical for preparing meals ahead of time, making it an ideal recipe to keep on hand.