The best ways to make mac and cheese

Tuck into a oozy, gooey mac and cheese with our best recipe ideas and ready-made versions. See our top tips for nailing this classic comfort food, every time, and the best mac and cheese to try in store.

Food Editor

Emily Lambe

Cheesy, creamy, and comforting – what could be more cosy than a classic mac and cheese? See how to make mac and cheese at home with our easy recipe ideas or try one of our ready-made versions for a new twist on the much-loved flavour combo.

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How to make mac and cheese

Cook macaroni (320 g) in boiling water for 9 minutes.
Melt butter (2 tbsp) in a pan over medium heat, then add flour (3 tbsp) and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
Add milk (500 ml) slowly, stirring continuously to create a thick sauce.
Remove from the heat and stir in grated mature cheddar (400 g) or any cheese of your choosing.
Top with a handful of breadcrumbs and grated cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

For an even speedier version, our quick mac and cheese recipe skips the roux and uses our Four Cheese Sauce instead.

Best ready-made mac and cheese

Our classic Macaroni Cheese uses Italian pasta, enrobed in a silky Cornish Cove mature cheddar cheese sauce with a pinch of dried mustard and ground spices.
Take the classic to the next level with our Macaroni Cheese with Crispy Bacon, topped with a crunchy mature cheddar crumb and wonderfully smoky bacon.
For something a little more adventurous, our Marmite® Mac and Cheese combines the savoury kick of Marmite® with punchy mature cheddar cheese and seasoned breadcrumbs. Or add these moreish Marmite® Mac and Cheese Bites to your next feast.
Take a bite of Our Best Ever Macaroni Cheese, made with tender free-range egg pasta, creamy three-cheese sauce, and topped with crispy onions and a garlic ciabatta crumb.
Gluten-free? Try our Made Without Wheat Macaroni Cheese with premium Italian pasta and a creamy, mature cheddar sauce.

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Cheesy does it

Best mac and cheese recipes

Got a little more time on your hands? Try making mac and cheese from scratch with one of these nice-and-cheesy recipe ideas.

Truffle mac and cheese

Give your mac and cheese a luxurious twist with our truffle version. A dash of our Collection Truffle Olive Oil and crumbled Collection Extra Virgin Olive Oil Black Truffle Crisps on top takes it to the next level.

Truffle mac and cheese recipe

Veg-packed mac and cheese

Load up on extra veggies with this hearty mac and cheese, filled with cauliflower, broccoli and peas. It's topped with crunchy, golden brown bread crumbs and flavourful sundried tomatoes.

Veg-packed mac and cheese recipe

King prawn mac and cheese with garlic bread

Top chef Rosemary Shrager gives mac and cheese a flavourful twist by adding juicy Honduran prawns and a pinch of fiery cayenne pepper. Serve with a fresh tomato salsa and buttery garlic bread.

Prawn mac and cheese recipe

Which cheese is best for mac and cheese?

Look for a creamy cheese that melts well and packs in plenty of bold flavours. A classic cheddar cheese is always a good option – our rich British Mature Cheddar is made at the award-winning Taw Valley creamery in Devon.

Rich, nutty Gruyère also works well.Try our Le Cret Reserve 1655 Gruyère AOP, produced by a renowned dairy in Fribourg, Switzerland.

Or get creative in the kitchen with a blend of smooth and buttery Double Gloucester and Red Leicester, crafted in the award-winning Taw Valley Creamery in Devon.

Can't decide? Use a blend of different cheeses for delicious contrasting flavours.

What to serve with mac and cheese

Serve with a leafy salad to add a touch of greenery and cut through the richness, or bake one of our crispy, buttery Garlic Baguettes to mop up all the juices.

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Published 9.22.2025