Delia Smith Macaroni Cheese with Bacon Recipe

Macaroni Cheese can be served as a warming family supper or, because it is so hearty, it makes excellent comfort food! In this recipe it is served bubbling with crispy smoked bacon, topped with sliced tomatoes and golden Parmesan cheese—lovely with a crisp green salad.

Delia Smith Macaroni Cheese with Bacon Recipe Ingredients

• The Pasta & Meat:
  • 275g (10 oz) macaroni (short elbow pasta)
  • 175g (6 oz) smoked streaky bacon, rinds removed and chopped
  • Salt and freshly milled black pepper
• The Cheese Sauce:
  • 50g (2 oz) butter
  • 50g (2 oz) plain flour
  • 570ml (1 pint) milk
  • 1 tsp mustard powder (English mustard)
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 175g (6 oz) mature Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 25g (1 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
• The Topping:
  • 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
  • Extra grated Parmesan (optional)

How To Make Delia Smith Macaroni Cheese with Bacon Recipe

1. Crisp the bacon: Preheat the grill (broiler). Place the chopped bacon on the grill pan and cook until the fat runs and the bacon is crisp and golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper and set aside.
2. Boil the pasta: Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil. Add the macaroni and cook for about 8–10 minutes until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite). Drain well in a colander.
3. Prep the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan/400°F/Gas 6). Butter a shallow ovenproof baking dish (approx. 1.5 liter / 2.5 pint capacity).
4. Make the roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly until you have a smooth sauce.
5. Thicken and flavor: Bring the white sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Stir in the mustard powder, cayenne pepper, and the grated Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Season with black pepper (go easy on salt as bacon and cheese are salty!).
6. Combine: Stir the cooked macaroni and the crispy bacon pieces into the cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure every tube of pasta is filled with sauce.
7. Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Arrange the sliced tomatoes on top in a single layer. Sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan if you like!
8. Bake: Bake on a high shelf in the oven for 30–40 minutes. The top should be browned, the tomatoes soft, and the sauce bubbling vigorously at the edges.
9. Serve: Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving to let the sauce settle (it will be molten hot!).

Recipe Tips!

• Grill vs. Fry: Delia recommends grilling the bacon rather than frying it. This renders out more fat and makes it crispier, preventing the macaroni cheese from becoming greasy!
• Mature Cheese: Do not use mild cheddar! You need a strong, mature Cheddar to cut through the pint of milk and flour. The punchy cheese flavor is essential for a good mac ‘n’ cheese.
• Tomato Top: The sliced tomatoes aren’t just for decoration; their acidity balances the richness of the cheese sauce. If you hate warm tomatoes, you can skip them, but they are classic Delia.
• Mustard Kick: The teaspoon of mustard powder enhances the cheese flavor without making the dish taste like hot dogs. It acts as a flavor amplifier!

What To Serve With Delia Smith Macaroni Cheese with Bacon Recipe?

This Delia Smith Macaroni Cheese with Bacon Recipe is a heavy hitter that needs something light on the side! A crisp Green Salad with a sharp vinaigrette is the perfect partner to cut through the rich dairy. For a bit of crunch, serve it with a slice of Garlic Bread to mop up the cheese sauce! If you want to make it a feast, a side of roasted vine tomatoes keeps the theme going perfectly.

How To Store Delia Smith Macaroni Cheese with Bacon Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in the baking dish (covered with foil) or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb the sauce and become firmer.
• Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 180°C for 20 minutes until piping hot. If microwaving, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
• Freeze: You can freeze this dish (baked or unbaked). Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost fully in the fridge before baking.

Delia Smith Macaroni Cheese with Bacon Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 28g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (serves 4).

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Delia Smith Cheese Scones​ Recipe
• Delia Smith Cheese Sauce​ Recipe
• Delia Smith Lasagne al Forno Recipe