Advertisement

In the US, mac and cheese often, on a menu, has its own heading with a choice of flavourings. Courgette and garlicky crumbs get our vote. This macaroni and cheese recipe is easy but super comforting.

  • 300g macaroni
  • 1 bunch spring onions
    finely chopped, including the green parts
  • 1 clove garlic
    crushed
  • 50g butter
    plus a knob
  • 3 courgettes
    grated
  • a pinch  chilli flakes
  • 60g plain flour
  • 800ml whole milk
  • 25g parmesan, Grana padano (or veggie alternative)
    finely grated
  • 100g strong cheddar
    grated
  • 100g gruyère
    grated
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

GARLIC CRUMBS

  • 
olive oil
  • ½ clove garlic
    crushed
  • 1/4 loaf sourdough
    crusts cut off and pulsed into rough breadcrumbs

Nutrition:

  • kcal609
  • fat29.1g
  • saturates16.6g
  • carbs59.3g
  • fibre3.8g
  • protein25.4g
  • salt1.5g

Method

  • step 1

    Cook the pasta until al dente, then rinse under cold water and drain well. Cook the spring onions and garlic in a knob of butter until soft then add the courgette and chilli and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened. Take off the heat.

  • step 2

    Melt the butter in a saucepan. Stir in the flour to make a smooth paste and cook for 2 minutes. Stir the milk into the flour and butter until you get a smooth sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer, cook for a few minutes then take off the heat and stir in half the parmesan, all the other cheeses, the mustard and season. Stir in the macaroni.

  • step 3

    Tip half the cheesy mac into an ovenproof dish. Add the courgette mix then top with the rest of the mac.

  • step 4

    To make the crumbs, mix 1 tbsp olive oil with the garlic. Toss with the sourdough crumbs and the rest of the parmesan. Scatter over the top of the mac and cheese.

  • step 5

    Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6 and cook for around 25-30 minutes until golden, crunchy and piping hot.

Looking for the perfect macaroni and cheese recipe? Check out our favourite mac and cheese recipes here.

mac n cheese with bacon
Best ever macaroni cheese recipes

Authors

Janine Ratcliffe Portrait
Janine RatcliffeFood director
Advertisement

Comments, questions and tips

Rate this recipe

What is your star rating out of 5?

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Choose the type of message you'd like to post

Overall rating

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement