Crispy oven-baked mac & cheese

Step 1/6

• 200 g macaroni
• salt

• saucepan (large)
• sieve

Cook pasta in plenty of salted, boiling water according to package instructions for approx. 5–7 min. Drain and set aside.

Step 2/6

• 5 strips bacon

• cutting board
• knife

Preheat oven to 180°C/ 356°F. Dice bacon into small pieces.

Step 3/6

• frying pan
• cooking spoon

Render bacon in a frying pan and set aside.

Step 4/6

• 25 g butter
• 25 g flour
• 200 ml milk
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• salt
• pepper

• saucepan (large)
• cooking spoon

In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and stir until flour and butter are fully combined to form a roux. Add milk, stirring occasionally, until fully combined. Season generously with nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Step 5/6

• 75 g shredded Gouda cheese
• 25 g Parmesan cheese (grated)

• bowl (large)

In a large bowl, combine cheeses, then add two thirds of it to the white sauce. Add sautéed bacon and stir everything together until the cheese has melted.

Step 6/6

• butter (for greasing)

• baking dish

Add precooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix briefly. Pour everything into a greased baking dish, sprinkle with the remaining cheese and bake in preheated oven at 180°C/ 355°F. for approx. 30–35 min. until golden.

Enjoy your meal!