Ultimate Mac and Cheese

Instructions

• 1

  Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat and season well with salt. Add the pasta and cook for 1 minute less than the packet instructions. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.

• 2

  Melt 1 oz of the butter and add to the breadcrumbs, stir to coat and set aside.

• 3

  Grease a 8-inch square baking dish with softened butter.

• 4

  To make the cheese sauce, melt the remaining 1 oz butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes, or until it bubbles. Gradually add the milk whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the thyme and reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, whisking for 5 minutes, or until the sauce boils and thickens slightly.

• 5

  Remove the pan from the heat. Add ½ teaspoon salt, mustard powder, cayenne pepper and both cheeses. Whisk until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove and discard the thyme sprigs.

  Tip: If the cheese is not completely melted, return the pan to low heat and whisk until just melted, do not overheat as the cheese will split and become grainy.
• 6

  Insert the oven rack into position 3 Up. Set the oven to Roast & Bake, Super Convection, 400°F, for 10 minutes and press Start to preheat. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.

• 7

  Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.

• 8

  Spread the mixture into the prepared dish and sprinkle with the crumbs.

• 9

  Once preheated, place the dish in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

• 10

  The crumb topping should be golden brown. If not, press A Bit More. When it’s ready, remove from the oven and stand for 10 minutes.

  Tip: It may need a little more or a little less extra cooking time, best to keep an eye on it.
• 11

  Serve sprinkled with chives.