Top tips for The ultimate 5 cheese Mac and Cheese

Here are a few of my best tips:

Pasta Shape and Cooking time

The pasta shape and size makes a big difference. Use a pasta shape that lists an 7 - 8 minute cooking time.

Don’t overcook the Pasta

The pasta will be placed back in the oven when the Mac and Cheese baked so you want to cook the pasta for 7-8 minutes max. If you are making it a day ahead, cook it for 7 minutes only.
 This means the pasta won’ be overcooked at the end.

Grate the Cheese by hand or in a food processor with grater attachment

Always grate the cheese by hand. Store-bought pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agent that stops it from clumping together which affects how it melts.

Type of Cheese

Don’t worry too much about getting the exact cheese listed! Red Leicester Cheese - This is a sharp Cheddar that is coloured with Annatto. Sub with American Cheddar or Colby Jack.
Cheddar - You can use any Cheddar you like here.
Gouda or Gruyere - A good substitute is Montery Jack, Swiss cheese or Emmental cheese.

Seasoning

Taste as you go along and adjust the seasoning accordingly. Cheese can vary a lot in terms of how salty it is so I would give the sauce a taste before adding any more salt. 

Milk and Cream

If possible use at room temperature. It is ok if you forget to take it out beforehand. It just takes a shorter time to make the sauce with the room temperature liquids.

Variations

Add chopped Shallots or Onions Braise Shallots or Onions in Butter before adding Flour to make a roux. Add fried Crispy Onions Add these on top and bake. Add Jalapenos Chopped pickled Jalapeños add a delicious flavour. Make it on the Stovetop If you prefer not to bake this mac and cheese, you can make it on the stovetop and just place it under the grill. Add a Panko Topping You can add ⅔ cup of Panko breadcrumbs with butter and add to the top of the Pasta before baking for a super crispy top. Use a sub for Milk and Double/Heavy Cream Use Evaporated Milk and Double Cream instead. I prefer it with normal Milk. Use different Cheese In the tips above, I have suggested substitutes for the Cheese above.
There is a lot of cheese in this recipe. You can absolutely cut that back as much as you like for a ‘lighter’ version.
Use a different blend of cheeses if you prefer. Try Swiss, Havarti, Montery Jack. You can also add a little Parmesan Cheese, Grana Padana. It adds a light nutty, salty flavour to the Mac. Add some Protein You can add cooked meats such as Sausage, Chicken, Beef to the Mac and Cheese. You can also add Prawns. Or make my Mac and Cheese with Nashville Chicken. Add some Veg Add veggies such as Asparagus,Peppers, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Kale, Mushrooms, Red Onions, Spring Onion, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Courgettes. Add Seasoning, Pastes, Sauces Add extra seasoning such as dried herbs like basil, chives, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, etc. You can also add seasonings like Cajun seasonings, Cayenne Pepper, Za’atar, Harissa, Pesto or any other sauce or paste that goes well with Pasta.
Hot sauce works well!

How to make it ahead of time

To make this recipe one day ahead:

• Make as directed but cook the Macaroni for 1 minute less and do not bake. Allow to cool.
• Cover with cling film or foil and place in the fridge 1 day ahead.
• Take out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking.
• Bake as recipe suggests.

Storage

Fridge Any leftovers can be kept covered tightly in the fridge for 4 days. 
To reheat, stir in a little bit of milk and microwave partially covered with cling film.  Stir often as it reheats. Freezer Let the Mac and Cheese recipe completely cool.
Add to a freezer-safe container, or ziplock bag and seal.Make sure to label them with the date!
It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to reheat Mac and cheese

How to Microwave From frozen – Heat in a microwave-safe container for 3-4 minutes or in a large microwave safe dish for 3-4 minutes.
 If thawed - reheat for 1-2 minutes. On the Stovetop - If completely frozen, heat over medium-low in a covered small pan for about 12 minutes. Do not over stir as this can cause it to become mushy. You can also thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove for 5 minutes. In the Oven - Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven by covering the dish with foil and warming at 180 C/ 350 F/Gas Mark 4 until it has warmed through.