Mac ’n’ cheese toasties

By definition, comfort food is usually a little indulgent, and this rich toasted sandwich is definitive comfort food. Mac 'n' cheese in a hot, buttery toastie is just as luscious as it sounds.

Mac ’n’ cheese toasties Credit: Richo's Bar Snacks

• makes

  4

• prep

  20 minutes

• cook

  20 minutes

• difficulty

  Easy

Ingredients

• 8 thick white bread slices
• 20–40g butter
• olives, to serve

Mac ’n’ cheese

• 1 cup cooked macaroni, al dente
• 70 g butter
• 45 g plain flour
• 1½ cups (375 ml) milk
• 2 tsp cornflour
• ⅓ cup mozzarella, grated
• ⅓ cup cheddar, grated
• ⅓ cup parmesan, shredded
• 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp chives, chopped

Instructions

1. Rinse macaroni well under cold water, and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Stir in flour. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, or until bubbling. Reduce heat down to low. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk, about ¼ cup at a time, whisking between each addition to combine. Bring to a boil, until beginning to thicken.
3. In a separate jug, combine cornflour and remaining ½ cup milk. Whisk to remove lumps, then stir through the sauce to thicken completely.
4. Remove sauce from heat. Add cheeses and stir through until melted. Stir pasta and herbs through sauce, until completely coated. Add a good twist of pepper and a little pinch of salt.
5. Spread macaroni between 2 bread slices. Spread both sides of sandwich with butter and place on a hot pan. Top with a heavy lid. Toast for 1 minute on each side, or until golden brown. Repeat with remaining filling and bread.
6. Cut diagonally into quarters. Skewer to keep in place, and add an olive. Serve.

 

This recipe is from Richo's Bar Snacks on SBS Food (Channel 33). Stream episodes via SBS On Demand.

Cook's Notes

Oven temperatures are for conventional; if using fan-forced (convection), reduce the temperature by 20˚C. | We use Australian tablespoons and cups: 1 teaspoon equals 5 ml; 1 tablespoon equals 20 ml; 1 cup equals 250 ml. | All herbs are fresh (unless specified) and cups are lightly packed. | All vegetables are medium size and peeled, unless specified. | All eggs are 55-60 g, unless specified.