Sharp Cheddar Mac and Cheese

1. Preheat the oven

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), gas mark 6.

2. Boil water

While the oven is heating up, bring a large pot of water to a boil.

3. Heat cheese sauce

As the water is coming to a boil, take a medium saucepan and gently heat the Sharp Cheddar Sauce with the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is warm. Keep this mixture warm on low heat.

4. Prepare breadcrumbs

In a small bowl, combine the coarse fresh bread crumbs with the melted butter. This will form the crispy topping for your macaroni.

5. Cook pasta

Once the water in your large pot is boiling, add the kosher salt and then the elbow macaroni. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is al dente, following the package instructions for timing. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it thoroughly.

6. Combine pasta and sauce

Return the drained pasta to the large pot and pour the warmed cheese sauce over it. Toss the pasta and sauce together until each piece of macaroni is well-coated with the creamy mixture.

7. Transfer to baking dish

Next, transfer the cheesy pasta into an 8-inch (20-cm) square baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the top of the macaroni. This will create that desirable crispy topping.

8. Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. The dish is ready when the surface is browned and bubbling—this is your cue that the topping is perfectly crispy and the inside is thoroughly heated.

9. Rest and serve

Once out of the oven, let the macaroni rest for about 15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to portion and serve.