Mary Berry Macaroni Cheese with Bacon Recipe

Name: Mary Berry's Dorset Apple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: Not specified
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 275g self-raising flour; 225g brown sugar (plus extra for topping); 100g soft margarine; 2 eggs; 175ml milk; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 225g cooking apples (peeled, cored, and roughly chopped); 50g sultanas

Dive into the comforting embrace of Mary Berry's Macaroni Cheese with Bacon, a dish that marries the creamy, cheesy delight of classic macaroni cheese with the savory crunch of bacon. This recipe, curated from the expertise of Mary Berry, offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a hearty meal for any day of the week.

Mary Berry Macaroni Cheese with Bacon: A Brief Overview

This indulgent dish combines tender macaroni, rich cheese sauce, and crispy bacon lardons, baked to golden perfection. The addition of fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness, balancing the richness of the cheese and bacon.

Cultural or Historical Context

Macaroni cheese has its roots in British cuisine, evolving over time to include various ingredients. Mary Berry, a revered figure in British baking and cooking, has put her unique twist on this classic by incorporating bacon, adding a layer of depth and flavor.

Ingredients List

Macaroni: 375g
Bacon lardons: For a crispy, flavorful bite
Butter: 45g, for a rich roux
Plain Flour: 45g, to thicken the cheese sauce
Whole Milk: 900ml, for creamy sauce consistency
Mature Cheddar Cheese: 325g, grated for that irresistible cheese pull
Fresh White Breadcrumbs: 60g, for a crispy topping
Dijon Mustard: 2 tsp, adding a tangy depth
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish

Preparation Instructions

Cooking Macaroni: Boil in salted water until just tender, then drain.
Bacon Preparation: Fry until crisp and golden, then set aside.
Making Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, blend in flour, gradually add milk, and cook until thickened. Stir in most of the cheese, mustard, salt, and pepper.
Combining Ingredients: Mix macaroni, bacon, and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, remaining cheese, and bake until golden.

Storage and Reheating

Storing: Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
Reheating: Oven-preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and bake until heated through. Alternatively, microwave with a splash of milk, stirring occasionally.

Nutritional Information

Per serving, this dish approximately contains 500 calories, with 23g of fat, 51g of carbohydrates, and 21g of protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different pasta or cheese? Yes, feel free to use other pasta shapes or a mix of cheeses for varied flavors and textures.
Can it be made ahead? Absolutely. Prepare up to the baking stage, then cool, cover, and refrigerate or freeze. Reheat as instructed.
Is there a vegan version? Yes, use vegan substitutes for butter, milk, cheese, and bacon for a delightful vegan version.

Original recipe by Mary Berry showcases the timeless appeal of combining hearty macaroni with the rich flavors of cheese and bacon, making it a versatile dish that's perfect for any meal.