Baked Mac & Cheese

Prep 10 Min / Cook 35 Min / Serves 4

Ingredients

500 g macaroni

60 g (3 tbsps.) Western Star Original Butter

¼ cup plain flour3 cups (750 ml) milk, warmed

2½ cups (135 g) Perfect Italiano™ Perfect Bakes cheese

2 tbsps. oregano leaves, chopped1½ cups panko breadcrumbs¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 180°C fan-forced. Grease a 2 litre (8 cup capacity) ovenproof dish.

2. Cook pasta in a large saucepan according to packet instructions for 12 minutes or until tender. Refresh under cold water. Drain well.

3. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly add the flour, whisking until combined. Add the milk in batches and continue to stir until the sauce becomes thick and coats the back of a wooden spoon. Stir in 1½ cups of Perfect Bakes cheese.

4. Add cooked pasta and oregano to the sauce, stir to combine. Spoon into the prepared dish.

5. Place panko and remaining 1 cup of Perfect Bakes cheese in a medium bowl. Pour in the oil and use your hands to mix until well combined. Scatter crumb mix over the pasta and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with a simple salad of your choice.

For extra flavour, add some cooked chopped bacon.