Extra cheesy mac n cheese

Woolworths is committed to sustainability via our good business journey. Seasonal (and other) products might not always be in stock.

Did you know that Woolworths is the home of award-winning cheese? Woolworths took home a total of 89 awards at the SA dairy championships, including 23 first place trophies, 5 prestigious Qualité Awards, and the highly sought-after Product of the Year award for their Ayrshire Mozzarella. With convenience in mind, Woolworths' range of grated cheeses is for home cooks on a time crunch. Choose from mature Cheddar, gouda, mozzarella and Emmental & mature Cheddar to make the ultimate cheese toastie or the dreamiest mac and cheese.

Ingredients

For the white sauce:
2½ cups milk
1 bouquet garni
4 T butter
4 T flour
250 g Woolworths grated cheese (mozzarella, Emmenthal, Cheddar, Gouda, mature Cheddar)
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
500 g macaroni, cooked al dente
100 g Woolworths beechwood-smoked ham (optional), cubed
80 g Woolworths grated Emmental and Cheddar
25 g breadcrumbs
2 T butter, melted
basil pesto, for serving
baby basil leaves, to garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C. To make the white sauce, gently heat the milk and bouquet garni in a saucepan until simmering. Remove from the heat.

2. Melt the butter in a saucepan, add the flour and mix to form a paste. Cook for 1 minute until it smells nutty. Slowly add the warmed milk, whisking continuously. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until thick. Add the grated cheese and season to taste.

3. Fold the cooked macaroni and ham (if using) into the sauce. Transfer to an ovenproof dish or divide between individual dishes. Sprinkle over the grated cheese and breadcrumbs and pour over the melted butter. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

4. Serve in warmed bowls, topped with basil pesto and fresh basil. Season to taste.

Photographs and video: Sadiqah Assur-Ismail
Recipes and production: Jacqueline Burgess
Food assistant: Ellah Maepa

Woolworths is committed to collaborating with expert suppliers to create and curate award-worthy dairy. It dominated at the 2023 South African Dairy Championships winning a total of 89 awards across numerous categories. It continues to receive recognition for its diverse range of cheeses, yoghurts, milk, butter, cream and ice cream, cementing its position as the crème de la crème of the dairy world. You’re spoiled for choice with what’s on offer in store and online.