Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish

Macaroni and cheese holds a special place in the hearts of people of all ages as a beloved comfort food. Its creamy and cheesy deliciousness never disappoints, satisfying our taste buds completely. This article presents an enticing variation of the classic macaroni and cheese recipe by the Hairy Bikers, two renowned chefs celebrated for their flavorful and hearty culinary creations. Prepare yourself to relish a tantalizing bowl of Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese!

What Makes Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese Special

The Macaroni Cheese crafted by the Hairy Bikers distinguishes itself with its opulent and palatable components. Standing tall among its peers, this classic dish has been elevated by the culinary maestros, the Hairy Bikers, who have artfully woven together an assortment of delectable cheeses, infusing the timeless recipe with their own distinct flair. The end result is a macaroni cheese that exudes an unparalleled creaminess, a cornucopia of cheesy goodness, and an explosion of tantalizing flavors that dance upon the taste buds.

 Ingredients You’ll Need

To prepare the Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese, gather the following ingredients:

• 300g macaroni pasta: The foundation of the dish, choose a high-quality macaroni pasta for the best texture.
• 50g butter: Provides richness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• 50g plain flour: Used as a thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
• 600ml milk: Creates a creamy and smooth texture in the cheese sauce.
• 200g strong cheddar cheese, grated: The star ingredient that adds sharpness and tanginess to the dish.
• 100g gruyere cheese, grated: A Swiss cheese that contributes nutty and earthy flavors.
• 100g smoked cheese, grated: Adds a smoky element to the macaroni cheese.
• 1 tsp mustard powder: Gives a subtle hint of tanginess and depth to the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the overall seasoning of the macaroni cheese.
• 50g breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy and golden topping.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese (for topping): Adds a savory and nutty flavor to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boiling the Macaroni

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add the macaroni pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the instructions on the packet. Ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture.
3. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce

1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the plain flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for a minute to form a smooth paste. This is called a roux, which will thicken the sauce
3. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking the mixture continuously. This will help prevent lumps from forming.
4. Add the grated cheddar, gruyere, and smoked cheese to the saucepan, reserving a small amount of each cheese for later. Stir the mixture until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Sprinkle in the mustard powder and season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Combining the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until every pasta piece is coated in the creamy mixture. Ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed throughout.
2. Transfer the macaroni cheese into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Baking the Macaroni Cheese

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens).
2. Sprinkle the reserved grated cheeses, breadcrumbs, and freshly grated parmesan cheese on top of the macaroni cheese. This will create a cheesy and crispy crust.
3. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
4. Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Macaroni Cheese

 Use a combination of different cheeses to add depth of flavor to your macaroni cheese. Experiment with your favorite cheeses and discover new taste combinations.

 Be generous with the cheese sauce to ensure a creamy and indulgent dish. The sauce should coat every macaroni piece evenly. For a golden and crispy topping, make sure to evenly distribute the breadcrumbs and grated cheese. This will add texture and visual appeal to the dish.

Healthier Alternatives and Variations

 If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can make a few substitutions and modifications. Use whole wheat macaroni pasta instead of regular pasta for added fiber. Opt for low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheeses to reduce the calorie content. Additionally, you can incorporate steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to add nutritional value.

To add a twist to the recipe, consider incorporating cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms into the macaroni cheese. These additions will introduce new flavors and textures to the dish, taking it to the next level.

Also Read: Eve’s Pudding Recipe Mary Berry: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Dessert

Serving Suggestions and pairing

When it comes to serving suggestions and pairings for macaroni cheese, there are plenty of options to enhance its presentation and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some creative ideas for garnishes, toppings, complementary side dishes, salads, and beverages:

Garnishes and Toppings:

1. Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or basil on top of the macaroni cheese for a pop of color and added freshness.
2. Crispy Bacon: Crumble some crispy bacon over the macaroni cheese to add a savory and crunchy element.
3. Bread Crumbs: Instead of the breadcrumb gratin mixture mentioned in the recipe, you can use toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a lighter and crispier topping.
4. Tomato Relish: Serve the macaroni cheese with a dollop of tangy tomato relish or chutney on the side for a flavorful contrast.

Complementary Side Dishes and Salads:

1. Green Salad: Pair the macaroni cheese with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. The fresh and crisp greens will provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy macaroni cheese.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted vegetables such as asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower alongside the macaroni cheese. The caramelized flavors and textures of the vegetables will complement the creamy pasta.
3. Garlic Bread: Prepare some garlic bread or garlic knots to serve on the side. The buttery and garlicky flavors will enhance the overall meal.

Beverages:

1. White Wine: A glass of crisp and light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, can complement the flavors of the macaroni cheese without overpowering it.
2. Craft Beer: Choose a craft beer with malty flavors like an amber ale or a brown ale. The slight bitterness and carbonation can cut through the richness of the dish.
3. Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea, whether it’s sweetened or unsweetened, can provide a cooling and balanced accompaniment to the indulgent macaroni cheese.

Conclusion 

Indulge in the creamy and cheesy delight of Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese. With its unique blend of cheeses and simple yet flavorful ingredients, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with your own variations, you’ll enjoy a satisfying meal that brings comfort and joy to your table.

Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese Recipe

Dianna Agron

Look no further than the deliciously indulgent Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese. With its creamy texture, gooey melted cheese, and a hint of tanginess, this recipe puts a delightful twist on the classic dish, promising to be a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort and flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine British cuisine

Servings 5 People

Ingredients

  

• 300 g macaroni pasta: The foundation of the dish choose a high-quality macaroni pasta for the best texture.
• 50 g butter: Provides richness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• 50 g plain flour: Used as a thickening agent for the cheese sauce.
• 600 ml milk: Creates a creamy and smooth texture in the cheese sauce.
• 200 g strong cheddar cheese grated: The star ingredient that adds sharpness and tanginess to the dish.
• 100 g gruyere cheese grated: A Swiss cheese that contributes nutty and earthy flavors.
• 100 g smoked cheese grated: Adds a smoky element to the macaroni cheese.
• 1 tsp mustard powder: Gives a subtle hint of tanginess and depth to the dish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the overall seasoning of the macaroni cheese.
• 50 g breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy and golden topping.
• Freshly grated parmesan cheese for topping: Adds a savory and nutty flavor to the dish.

Instructions

 

Boiling the Macaroni

• Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
• Add the macaroni pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the instructions on the packet. Ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture.
• Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.

Preparing the Cheese Sauce

• In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the plain flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for a minute to form a smooth paste. This is called a roux, which will thicken the sauce
• Gradually pour in the milk while whisking the mixture continuously. This will help prevent lumps from forming.
• Add the grated cheddar, gruyere, and smoked cheese to the saucepan, reserving a small amount of each cheese for later. Stir the mixture until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Sprinkle in the mustard powder and season with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Combining the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

• Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until every pasta piece is coated in the creamy mixture. Ensure that the sauce is evenly distributed throughout.
• Transfer the macaroni cheese into a baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Baking the Macaroni Cheese

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C for fan ovens).
• Sprinkle the reserved grated cheeses, breadcrumbs, and freshly grated parmesan cheese on top of the macaroni cheese. This will create a cheesy and crispy crust.
• Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
• Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Keyword Hairy Bikers Macaroni Cheese Recipe