Baked Macaroni and Cheese | Don Signature Crab - Singapore Food Guide

Ingredients

• 350 g elbow macaroni (or penne)
• 40 g unsalted butter + extra for greasing
• 35 g plain (all-purpose) flour
• 600 ml whole milk, warmed
• 100 ml single cream (optional for extra silkiness)
• 250 g mature cheddar, grated (divided)
• 125 g mozzarella, shredded (for stretch)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard or 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus extra to taste
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 50 g panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp melted butter (for mixing with breadcrumbs)
• 1 small onion, finely diced (optional)
• 1 garlic clove, crushed (optional)
• 1 spring onion, sliced, for garnish
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1–2 tsp sambal oelek or chilli padi paste (optional local heat)
• 100 g diced cooked bacon or luncheon meat (SPAM) — optional add-in
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce (optional, for an umami boost)
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Lemon wedges to serve (optional)