The French take on this universal comfort food.

Macaroni and cheese, or ‘Mac and Cheese’, is a renowned dish embraced across the globe, including France. I believe that having diverse versions from various countries offers a delicious opportunity to explore and appreciate the nuances. So, let's delve into the French take on this comforting classic.

INGREDIENTS

Serves up to 4

Preparation time: 20 mins

Cooking time: 30 mins

• 250 g of macaroni pasta

• 300 ml of heavy cream

• 200 ml of full cream milk

• 2 cloves of chopped garlic

• A pinch of grated nutmeg

• Salt and pepper to taste

  For the topping

• 300 g of grated cheese

• 1 Tomato (sliced)

Method

1. Begin by cooking the macaroni in a pot of boiling water seasoned with salt.

2. While the pasta is simmering away, place a saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the cream, milk, grated nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Gently bring this mixture to a delicate boil.

3. Transfer the milk and cream mixture to a spacious bowl and place the pasta on top. Give the pasta a good toss.

4. Coat a sizable baking dish with a generous layer of butter. Sprinkle finely sliced garlic across the bottom of the dish.

5. With the preparation complete, preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).

6. Bring forth the macaroni medley and pour it into the awaiting baking dish. Season with salt and pepper. Generously spread the grated cheese to create a comforting cheesy blanket, then top it with freshly sliced tomatoes to add a burst of color.

7. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

8. While this dish is undoubtedly satisfying on its own, in France, it often graces the table as a showstopping side to dishes like chicken or various stews.