Homemade cheese macaroni

To prepare the cheese macaroni recipe, cook the macaroni in salted water according to the packet instructions. But be careful not to cook it too soft, it should still have a bite as it will be baked in the oven later.

While the macaroni is cooking, you can start making the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan. Now add the flour and mix well until a paste is formed. This technique is called roux and is a great way to make a thick sauce.

Now slowly add the milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, turn the heat to medium and bring the sauce to the boil. It should thicken as it boils.

Now you can add the cheese. Here I recommend always keeping a small amount of cheese for the surface. Stir in the cheddar and parmesan until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt, pepper and paprika.

Drain the macaroni and add to the pan with the cheese sauce. Stir well until all the macaroni is covered with sauce.

Place the macaroni in an ovenproof dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Place in the preheated oven at 200°C for approx. 20 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling.

Optionally sprinkle the macaroni cheese with parsley.