Gourmet Smoked Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Step 1

Bring a pot of water to the boil. Add pasta and cook via instructions on packet. While pasta is cooking, finely chop bacon and cook until crispy. Set aside. 

Step 2

Melt first measure of butter and stir in flour. Add milk a little at a time and stir until starting to thicken. Add cheese (reserving a handful for later), salt and stir until combined.

Step 3
Once pasta is cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water and drain. Add pasta water to cheese sauce and allow to thicken slightly. Add pasta and bacon to sauce and combine. 

Step 4

Toss breadcrumbs in melted butter and a little olive oil. Top Mac and cheese with breadcrumbs, reserved cheese and sage leaves. Top with a little salt and pepper and place under the grill. Watch the Mac and cheese carefully (it will only take a few minutes) and remove when breadcrumbs are golden and cheese is melted.

Adding a drizzle of truffle infused olive oil on top takes it to the next level.

Note: If you do not have an oven safe pan, transfer Mac and cheese to a baking dish before adding breadcrumbs.

This recipe was created and photographed by @rebecca.cooksandeats - give her beautiful new account a follow on Instagram!