Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese with Smoked Haddock is a rich, creamy, and indulgent twist on the classic macaroni cheese. Known for her impeccable culinary skills and ability to elevate comfort food, Mary Berry transforms the traditional macaroni cheese into a hearty, flavorful dish by adding the smoky, delicate taste of haddock. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or when you’re looking to impress guests with a comfort food classic that has a little extra flair.
The smoked haddock adds depth to the dish, with its firm texture and distinctive smoky flavor pairing wonderfully with the creamy cheese sauce and tender macaroni. The combination of cheddar cheese and Parmesan creates a deliciously smooth, tangy sauce that coats each pasta piece. The addition of a crunchy, golden topping of breadcrumbs brings texture and a satisfying contrast to the creamy, cheesy base. It’s a perfect balance of flavors-smoky, creamy, cheesy, and slightly crunchy-creating a delightful comfort food experience that’s both simple and sophisticated.
Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese With Smoked Haddock Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese with Smoked Haddock, the ingredients are relatively simple but combine to create a luxurious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g (7 oz) Macaroni Pasta: The main ingredient. The pasta provides the structure and acts as the vehicle to carry the creamy sauce.
- 400g (14 oz) Smoked Haddock Fillet: The star of the show. This will give the dish its smoky, tender flavor. It’s usually poached in milk, infusing the liquid with the haddock’s rich, salty essence.
- 50g (1.8 oz) Butter: The base for the roux (the thickening agent in the sauce). Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
- 50g (1.8 oz) Plain Flour: Combined with butter to make the roux. It will help thicken the sauce and give it the right consistency.
- 600ml (20 fl oz) Milk: Used to create the creamy sauce. It helps to blend all the ingredients together and provides a smooth texture.
- 200g (7 oz) Cheddar Cheese (grated): A sharp cheddar is ideal for this dish, as it melts beautifully and offers a robust flavor that complements the haddock.
- 50g (1.8 oz) Parmesan Cheese (grated): Adds an extra layer of depth and a salty kick to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard: This small amount of mustard gives the dish a slight tang, balancing the richness of the cheese and smoked fish.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: For seasoning and a bit of spice.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional, but adds a pop of freshness and color when sprinkled on top just before serving.
- Breadcrumbs: For the topping. This creates a crispy crust when baked in the oven, adding texture to the creamy and smooth interior.
Equipment Needed
To make Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese with Smoked Haddock, you won’t need any complex kitchen gadgets, but there are a few essential items to ensure the dish turns out perfectly:
- Large Saucepan: For cooking the macaroni pasta.
- Large Pan or Skillet: For making the roux (butter and flour mixture) and combining the sauce ingredients.
- Ovenproof Dish (Casserole Dish): This is where you’ll assemble and bake the dish. A medium to large-sized ovenproof dish works best.
- Whisk: For smooth and lump-free sauce.
- Ladle: Helpful for adding the sauce to the pasta and haddock mixture.
- Grater: To grate the cheddar and Parmesan cheese (freshly grated cheese melts much better).
- Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the sauce and assembling the dish.
- Fork: To flake the cooked haddock once it’s ready.
- Oven: Essential for baking and crisping up the breadcrumb topping.
Instructions To Make Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese With Smoked Haddock
Step 1: Poach The Haddock
Begin by gently poaching the smoked haddock in milk. Place the fillets in a pan, covering them with milk. Heat gently over medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until the fish is tender and cooked through. Once done, remove the haddock from the pan, flake it into bite-sized pieces, and set it aside. Retain the milk-it will be used to make the sauce, as it has absorbed the haddock’s smoky flavors.
Step 2: Cook The Macaroni
While the haddock is cooking, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to the packet instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: Make The Cheese Sauce (Roux)
In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Allow the roux to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid any burning. Gradually add the milk from poaching the haddock, whisking constantly to create a smooth, lump-free sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens (around 5 minutes). Once thickened, add the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the Dijon mustard and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Assemble The Dish
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large ovenproof dish, combine the cooked macaroni, flaked haddock, and cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Add The Topping
Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni cheese mixture. This will give your dish a beautiful golden-brown crunch when baked.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy. The edges of the sauce should be bubbling, and the breadcrumb topping should be perfectly browned.
Step 7: Serve And Enjoy!
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, smoky, cheesy goodness of this delicious comfort food.
Tips And Tricks
- Use Fresh Haddock: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh smoked haddock. If you can’t find fresh, you can substitute with other types of smoked fish like cod, though haddock provides the perfect balance of smokiness and tenderness.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce and baked.
- Make it Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, you can add a small splash of double cream (heavy cream) along with the milk. This will make the sauce even more luxurious.
- Breadcrumb Variations: For extra flavor, try using garlic breadcrumbs or adding some grated cheese to the breadcrumb topping for added cheesiness.
- Prepare Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Simply assemble it in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it from cold, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to get the breadcrumb topping crispy again.
Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese with Smoked Haddock is a perfect balance of comforting, creamy, and smoky flavors. The dish takes a beloved classic and elevates it to new heights with the addition of smoked haddock, which provides both flavor and texture. The luscious cheese sauce, paired with the golden breadcrumb topping, makes each bite a deliciously satisfying experience. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something comforting, this dish is sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll be able to recreate this decadent dish in your own kitchen and enjoy the same delicious results that have made Mary Berry a household name in the world of cooking.
Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese With Smoked Haddock
Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese with Smoked Haddock is a comforting classic that brings together creamy cheese sauce, smoky fish, and al dente pasta. But the beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. There are plenty of ways to tweak and experiment with the ingredients to suit your taste, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some easy variations to breathe new life into this iconic recipe:
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Swap The Smoked Haddock For Another Fish
While smoked haddock is traditionally used, it’s far from the only fish that works in this dish. You could try smoked mackerel for a stronger, more robust flavor or salmon, which has a delicate richness that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce. If you’re not a fan of fish, grilled chicken or crisped-up bacon could easily replace the smoked haddock, offering a more meaty, savory twist.
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Use Different Cheeses For A Unique Flavor
Mary Berry’s recipe typically calls for cheddar, but you can easily experiment with different cheese varieties. For a more complex, tangy flavor, consider mixing Gruyère and Parmesan-they’ll create a deliciously nutty depth. If you prefer something a bit lighter, cream cheese or mascarpone could be incorporated into the sauce for added creaminess. Alternatively, a blend of cheddar and blue cheese gives the dish a more indulgent, sharp edge.
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Add Vegetables For Extra Nutrition And Flavor
Want to sneak in some extra veggies without compromising the comforting vibe of this dish? Spinach is an easy addition-just wilt it in the pan before mixing it into the pasta and sauce. Leeks, sautéed until tender, will add a mild sweetness that complements the richness of the cheese. Peas or sweetcorn can also be stirred through the dish for a burst of color and sweetness. For a touch of freshness, consider adding some chopped herbs, like parsley or chives, right before serving.
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Go Gluten-Free
For those who need or prefer to avoid gluten, swapping out the regular pasta for gluten-free macaroni or any other gluten-free pasta will work just as well. You can also make a few modifications to the roux by using a gluten-free flour (like rice flour or cornflour) to thicken the cheese sauce. The result is a dish that’s just as creamy, rich, and comforting as the original.
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Add A Crunchy Topping For Texture
Mary Berry’s recipe often features a simple breadcrumb topping, but you can make it your own by adding a bit of flair. Try mixing the breadcrumbs with some grated Parmesan and a small handful of crushed walnuts or pine nuts for added crunch and flavor. You could even swap the breadcrumbs entirely for a crisped panko topping or crushed crisps for an extra savory bite.
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Spice It Up
To give your Macaroni Cheese a little more personality, consider adding some chopped chilies or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. This can turn the dish from a mild comfort food to something with a more exciting, kicky flavor profile. A pinch of mustard powder or paprika in the cheese sauce could also bring a subtle heat and depth to the dish.
Storing Leftovers
One of the many joys of Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese with Smoked Haddock is that it makes for great leftovers. In fact, the flavors tend to meld together even more after sitting for a while, making it an ideal dish to prepare in advance. However, to keep your leftovers fresh and flavorful, it’s essential to store them properly.
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Cool Before Storing
Always allow the macaroni cheese to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge. Hot food can raise the temperature inside your fridge, leading to bacterial growth. Spread it out in a shallow dish for faster cooling, or place it on a cooling rack before transferring it to a container.
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Refrigeration
Place your leftover macaroni cheese in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce can sometimes solidify slightly when chilled, but it will loosen up again when reheated.
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Freezing
If you want to store it for a longer period, macaroni cheese freezes well. Spoon it into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, leaving a little room for expansion. It’s best consumed within 1-2 months for optimal quality. When you’re ready to eat it, defrost it in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven or on the stovetop. Reheating may require a bit of extra milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
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Reheating
When reheating, the stovetop is the best option if you’re looking to retain the dish’s creaminess. Simply reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of milk or cream if it’s too thick. If reheating in the oven, cover the dish with foil to avoid drying it out, and consider sprinkling extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden finish.
What To Eat With Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese With Smoked Haddock?
Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese with Smoked Haddock is a rich and filling dish on its own, but it can be complemented by a variety of sides to create a more rounded meal. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, here are some perfect pairings to elevate the meal:
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Fresh Green Salad
A simple, tangy green salad offers a nice contrast to the richness of the macaroni cheese. Consider a mix of arugula or spinach, paired with a light vinaigrette dressing. A salad with a few slices of avocado or some cherry tomatoes will add texture and freshness, cutting through the creamy heaviness of the main dish.
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Garlic Bread
A crunchy, garlicky bread is the perfect vehicle for sopping up any leftover cheese sauce. You can go classic with a buttery, toasted garlic baguette or make it even more indulgent with a cheese-stuffed garlic bread. The warm, crisp bread complements the softness of the macaroni cheese.
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Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or broccoli gives them a delicious caramelized flavor that balances the creamy cheese. You can even add some roasted sweet potatoes to bring a hint of sweetness to the meal, creating a more robust and satisfying dish.
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Coleslaw
If you’re craving something with a bit of crunch, coleslaw is a fantastic pairing. The tangy, creamy slaw adds a contrast in both texture and flavor, especially if you make it with apple cider vinegar or a bit of mustard for extra zest.
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Pickles Or Chutney
A jar of pickled vegetables or a dollop of fruit chutney can provide a delightful tangy kick that helps to balance out the richness of the dish. Opt for a bread-and-butter pickle for a touch of sweetness or spicy chutney for something with more depth and heat.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese with Smoked Haddock is the ultimate comfort food-rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with the smoky haddock. It’s a dish that embodies warmth and satisfaction, making it a perfect choice for a cozy family meal or a relaxed dinner with friends. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore some of the many variations, this dish can easily adapt to your preferences and become a staple in your kitchen.
With a little creativity, you can adjust the flavors to fit dietary needs, add a variety of vegetables for added nutrition, or even experiment with different cheese combinations to find the perfect balance of creaminess and sharpness. The leftovers are just as delicious, and with the right storing techniques, you can enjoy this dish over several meals.
Pair it with a crisp salad, some freshly baked garlic bread, or even a light pickle, and you have yourself a well-rounded, satisfying meal. Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese with Smoked Haddock is a timeless dish, and its versatility ensures it will remain a beloved classic for years to come.
FAQs
What Makes Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese With Smoked Haddock Different From Traditional Macaroni Cheese?
Mary Berry’s version of macaroni cheese introduces a rich, smoky flavor by incorporating smoked haddock, which elevates the dish from a classic comfort food to a more sophisticated and savory meal. The creamy cheese sauce complements the delicate fish, making it a perfect dish for special occasions or cozy dinners. Additionally, her recipe often includes a dash of mustard and nutmeg, which adds extra depth to the flavor profile.
Can I Substitute The Smoked Haddock In Mary Berry’s Recipe With Another Type Of Fish?
Yes, you can substitute the smoked haddock with other firm white fish such as cod, pollock, or haddock fillets. However, smoked haddock is integral to the dish’s signature smoky flavor, so if you opt for a non-smoked variety, you may want to add a bit of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to recreate the smoky taste. Adjusting the seasoning might also be necessary depending on the fish you choose.
How Can I Make Mary Berry’s Macaroni Cheese With Smoked Haddock Recipe More Creamy?
To make the dish even creamier, you can increase the amount of cheese in the sauce or use a combination of different cheeses, such as a mix of cheddar and Gruyère. Additionally, replacing part of the milk with cream or adding a bit of crème fraîche can enhance the richness and texture of the sauce. Just be sure to balance the creaminess with the other ingredients to maintain the overall flavor balance.
