When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing more satisfying than digging into a bowl of creamy, cheesy macaroni. A true comfort food classic, mac & cheese has come a long way from its humble beginnings — and at Gertrude Grocer, we believe it deserves only the best ingredients.
Our shelves are stocked with artisanal cheeses, premium imported pastas, and pantry staples that will take your homemade mac & cheese from basic to brilliant. Whether you like it simple and nostalgic or gourmet and indulgent, we’ve got everything you need.
What You’ll Need
Forget the packet mix — here’s how to make a next-level mac & cheese with real flavour and quality ingredients from our store.
Ingredients (Serves 4):
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300g Don Antonio or Delverde dried pasta (elbow macaroni, penne or fusilli work best)
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 tbsp plain flour or gluten-free flour (we stock both)
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2 cups whole milk
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1/2 cup cream
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1/2 tsp sea salt
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1/4 tsp cracked pepper
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1/2 tsp mustard powder or Dijon mustard
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1 cup aged cheddar (shredded)
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1/2 cup gruyère or fontina
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1/2 cup parmesan, plus more for topping
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Optional: Smokey Joes Rubs for a spiced twist
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Optional toppings: toasted breadcrumbs, sautéed mushrooms, crispy pancetta, or roasted garlic
Method:
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Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a roux.
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Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Stir in mustard, salt and pepper. Then add cheeses, a handful at a time, until melted and creamy.
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Fold in cooked pasta. Stir well to coat.
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Pour into a baking dish, top with extra cheese and optional breadcrumbs or toppings.
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Bake at 180°C for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
Make It Your Own
Mac & cheese is endlessly customisable. Try these gourmet variations:
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Truffle Mac: Stir in truffle oil and top with sautéed mushrooms.
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Spicy Mac: Add chilli flakes or Smokey Joes Chipotle Rub for heat.
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Veggie Mac: Fold in roasted cauliflower, leek or spinach for added depth.
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Crunchy Top: Mix panko breadcrumbs with parmesan and olive oil for a golden crust.
At Gertrude Grocer, we carry everything from organic gluten-free pasta to Italian-imported hard cheeses, so you can customise the dish to your taste and dietary preferences.
Shop the Ingredients at Gertrude Grocer
Find everything you need to make the ultimate mac & cheese in-store at:
📍 Kensington
📍 Carlton
Or shop online now for Click & Collect. Our premium range of cheeses, pastas, flours, and seasonings make comfort food classics more delicious — and more gourmet — than ever.