Traditional Macaroni and Cheese with extra Crunch

Much loved macaroni and cheese with the added bonus of a deliciously crunchy toasted top layer. It is effortless to make and so scrumptious that any lucky diners will have to hold back from going for a second helping.

Quick and Easy

This is the ultimate “cheat” meal. It’s almost surreal how little energy and time goes in to producing the amazing experience offered by this warm and crunchy macaroni cheese dish.  

In just one hour you can have four generous portions ready to be devoured. And with a simple ingredients list you will most likely be able to whip it together without planning. So if the work pours in and the rain pours down and you just don’t have energy but are desperate for a warm and comforting homemade meal, mac and cheese is your answer! 

Simple Ingredients

It looks too good to be true when you see that all you basically need is your macaroni, some onions and tomatoes, cheese, herbs and the white sauce components that are butter, milk and flour. You can of course leave out the garlic or the toasted bread crumb layer. However, you would be sorely missing out. Any macaroni and cheese lover will melt with joy when they bite into the first mouthful of this crunchy crusted pasta dish.

If you are a lover of mac and cheese but need a gluten-free option then you must try our Cheese, Bacon and Cabbage Bake. 

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Total

1 hour

Serves

4 servings

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Ingredients

• 500 g Macaroni, Cooked
• 2 Onions, Finely chopped
• 2 Tomatoes, Diced
• 100 ml Cream Cheese
• 1/2 tsp Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Mixed Herbs
• 1/2 tsp Origanum
• 3 tbsp Butter
• 2 tbsp Flour
• 2 cups Milk
• 2 cups Cheese, Grated
• 2 slices White Bread, Toasted and cooled
• 1 clove Garlic, Crushed

Method

1. In a frying pan, heat the butter. Fry the onions until soft and then add tomato. Add the garlic. Fry a few minutes longer.

2. Season with sugar, salt and mixed herbs.

3. In a greased oven dish, combine the cooked macaroni with the onion mix.

4. In a saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and mix until a smooth paste. Add the milk in small amounts at a time until you have a thick white sauce. Stir constantly to prevent lumps and burning. Add one cup of grated cheese.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Mix the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and layer your toasted bread crumb crust.