Lucy M. Home cooks return to Mary Berry’s macaroni cheese again and again. This isn’t fussy or pretentious; it’s honest food that tastes like home and delivers every single time. The sauce coats each pasta piece with creamy richness, while a golden breadcrumb topping cracks satisfyingly under your fork.
Berry strips away any unnecessary fussing here. You build the sauce from scratch with butter, flour, and good cheese, then let the oven do most of the work. Twenty minutes later, you pull out something that smells like pure comfort: nutmeg and melting cheddar drifting through your kitchen.
This version stands out for its complete reliability. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, bringing a dish to share, or simply craving something warm and honest, this macaroni cheese never disappoints. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make over and over without hesitation.
What Makes This Macaroni Cheese So Good
When you’re craving comfort food that delivers restaurant-quality results, this creamy three-cheese macaroni won’t disappoint. I love how Mary Berry combines smoked Cheddar, mozzarella, and aged Cheddar to create a genuinely complex, sophisticated flavor profile that elevates this classic dish beyond ordinary mac and cheese.
The recipe’s simplicity won’t fool you—it’s incredibly approachable for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests. What really sets it apart is the homemade cheese sauce base, built on a proper roux and milk foundation, which tastes infinitely better than boxed versions.
The golden bread crumb topping adds textural contrast that keeps each bite interesting. Plus, the whole dish comes together in under an hour, making it practical comfort food that doesn’t require culinary expertise or obscure ingredients.
For a timeless British classic that never fails to impress, check out our Mary Berry Cauliflower Cheese. With Mary Berry’s trusted recipe, this beloved dish is creamy, golden, and absolutely delicious every single time.
What Ingredients Are In Mary Berry Macaroni Cheese Recipe?
This elegant take on a classic comfort dish relies on a carefully curated selection of ingredients that work together to create depth of flavor and perfect texture. The foundation begins with quality cheeses—three varieties that each play a distinct role in building the creamy sauce and final dish. Beyond the cheeses, you’ll need pantry staples like butter, flour, and milk to create a proper béchamel sauce, along with simple seasonings and a crispy bread crumb topping that provides essential contrast.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (350g) elbow macaroni
- Salt and black pepper
- 3 tbsp butter, plus extra for greasing
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
- 3¾ cups milk
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 6 oz (175g) smoked Cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 oz (60g) light mozzarella cheese, grated
- 3 oz (90g) aged Cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup fresh white bread crumbs
The quality of your cheeses will greatly impact the final result, so sourcing good-quality varieties is worth the effort. Smoked Cheddar brings depth and a subtle smoky note, while aged Cheddar adds sharpness and complexity. The mozzarella contributes creaminess without overwhelming the other flavors. All ingredients are readily available at standard supermarkets, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of any skill level.
How To Make This Mary Berry Macaroni Cheese Recipe
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cooking 12 oz (350g) of elbow macaroni in boiling salted water for 8–10 minutes until just tender. While the pasta cooks, prepare the béchamel sauce—the creamy foundation of this dish.
- In a large saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat, then add ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually blend in 3¾ cups milk, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Return to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, then simmer for about 5 minutes while continuing to stir occasionally.
- Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 tsp Dijon mustard along with the three cheeses: 6 oz (175g) smoked Cheddar, 2 oz (60g) light mozzarella, and 2 oz (60g) of the aged Cheddar cheese.
- The remaining 1 oz (30g) of aged Cheddar is reserved for the topping. Fold in the drained macaroni and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Transfer the macaroni mixture to a lightly buttered large shallow ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly. Combine the ½ cup fresh white bread crumbs with the reserved 1 oz (30g) aged Cheddar cheese and sprinkle this mixture over the top of the macaroni.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the surface is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s fully heated through and ready to serve.
Mary Berry Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and cooking 12 oz (350g) of elbow macaroni in boiling salted water for 8–10 minutes until just tender. While the pasta cooks, prepare the béchamel sauce—the creamy foundation of this dish.
- In a large saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat, then add ⅓ cup all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux. Remove the pan from the heat and gradually blend in 3¾ cups milk, whisking to avoid lumps.
- Return to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, then simmer for about 5 minutes while continuing to stir occasionally.
- Once the sauce reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in 2 tsp Dijon mustard along with the three cheeses: 6 oz (175g) smoked Cheddar, 2 oz (60g) light mozzarella, and 2 oz (60g) of the aged Cheddar cheese.
- The remaining 1 oz (30g) of aged Cheddar is reserved for the topping. Fold in the drained macaroni and season generously with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Transfer the macaroni mixture to a lightly buttered large shallow ovenproof dish, spreading it evenly. Combine the ½ cup fresh white bread crumbs with the reserved 1 oz (30g) aged Cheddar cheese and sprinkle this mixture over the top of the macaroni.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the surface is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges, indicating it’s fully heated through and ready to serve.
Notes
What To Serve With Mary Berry Macaroni &Amp; Cheese Recipe
Mary Berry’s creamy three-cheese macaroni pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t overshadow its rich, comforting flavors. I’d recommend serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the cheese’s richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus provides a fresh vegetable component that balances the dish nicely. For a more substantial meal, I’d add crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. A light tomato-based salad works wonderfully too, offering acidity that complements the creamy pasta. If you’re serving this at dinner, consider pairing it with a simple protein like grilled chicken breast or pan-seared salmon, though honestly, this macaroni is hearty enough to stand alone as your main course. The key is keeping accompaniments light and invigorating.Make-Ahead And Storage Tips For Mary Berry Macaroni Cheese
Prepare your Mary Berry macaroni cheese completely up to two days ahead by assembling it in an oven-safe dish before refrigerating. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing fridge odors while flavors develop beautifully. Simply pop it straight from the refrigerator into a preheated oven, adding five to ten extra minutes to the baking time for optimal results.
Store leftover macaroni cheese in airtight containers for up to four days in your refrigerator to maintain food safety and quality. The creamy sauce holds up well during storage, and reheating gently on the stovetop or in the oven restores its original texture perfectly. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months, then thaw overnight before reheating until warmed through completely and deliciously.
Mary Berry Macaroni Cheese Recipe Substitutions And Variations
You can easily customize Mary Berry’s macaroni cheese to suit your preferences or dietary needs without compromising the dish’s creamy, comforting character. If you don’t have smoked Cheddar, I’d substitute it with sharp white Cheddar for a similar intensity.
For a lighter version, I replace whole milk with half-and-half or use Greek yogurt to reduce fat content. You can swap mozzarella for gruyere or fontina if you prefer different flavor notes. I’ve successfully used whole wheat pasta instead of elbow macaroni for added nutrition.
If you’re avoiding dairy, I recommend nutritional yeast combined with cashew cream as a cheese alternative. For extra texture, I sometimes add crispy bacon or panfried breadcrumbs infused with herbs to the topping.
What To Serve With Mary Berry Macaroni Cheese Recipe
Mary Berry’s creamy three-cheese macaroni pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t overshadow its rich, comforting flavors. I’d recommend serving it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to cut through the cheese’s richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus provides a fresh vegetable component that balances the dish nicely.
For a more substantial meal, I’d add crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce. A light tomato-based salad works wonderfully too, offering acidity that complements the creamy pasta.
If you’re serving this at dinner, consider pairing it with a simple protein like grilled chicken breast or pan-seared salmon, though honestly, this macaroni is hearty enough to stand alone as your main course. The key is keeping accompaniments light and invigorating.
Final Thoughts
This creamy three-cheese macaroni recipe from Mary Berry delivers comfort food at its finest—rich, satisfying, and surprisingly straightforward to prepare. I’ve found that mastering this dish opens doors to countless variations you can explore at your own pace. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or hosting dinner guests, you’ll appreciate how the three-cheese combination creates depth without overwhelming your palate. The recipe’s simplicity belies its sophisticated flavor profile, making it a reliable go-to in your cooking repertoire. I’d encourage you to make this dish your own by experimenting with different cheese blends or adding vegetables. Once you’ve nailed Mary Berry’s version, you’ll understand why this classic remains a beloved favorite across generations.
