Best Bacon Crumbed Mac and Cheese

When boiling, stir the macaroni into the water and bring back to the boil. Cook until tender, 12 mins.

When the pasta has 5 mins remaining, add the broccoli to the pan to cook for the remaining time.

Once cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli in a colander and pop back in the pan. Drizzle with oil and stir through to stop the pasta sticking together.

Meanwhile, grate the cheese.

Make kid friendly: If you’d prefer to serve the veg on the side, cook it like this : When the sweet potato has around 10 mins remaining, push the sweet potato to one side of the baking tray and pop the Tenderstem® broccoli onto the other side of the tray. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat. Spread out in a single layer. Return to the oven and roast until tender and crispy, 10-12 mins.

This step uses heat! Close, constant supervision is mandatory. Adults: you must be right at the hob, ready to switch off the heat or move the pan instantly if needed.

Kids step: Pop a large frying pan on medium heat. Melt in the butter, then stir in the flour (see pantry for both amounts). Cook until it forms a thick paste, 1-2 mins - you've made a roux!

Stir in the water for the sauce (see pantry for amount) a little at a time, followed by the creme fraiche, Dijon mustard and chicken stock paste. Bring to the boil and simmer until thickened, 2-3 mins. 

Make kid friendly: If your kids aren't keen on mustard, add less or add a little at a time, tasting and adjusting to your kids preference. 

Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the Cheddar, cooked macaroni, broccoli and roasted sweet potato. Add a splash of water if it's a little thick. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Preheat your grill to high. Transfer the macaroni to an ovenproof dish, then give the frying pan a wash.

Return the (now empty) frying pan to a high heat with a drizzle of oil.

Once hot, add the bacon lardons. Stir-fry until golden, 4-5 mins. IMPORTANT: Wash your hands and equipment after handling raw meat. Cook bacon thoroughly.

Once golden, add the breadcrumbs to the pan and stir until the bacon and breadcrumbs are combined.

Top the macaroni with the bacon crumb and transfer to the top shelf of your oven.

Grill until golden, 3-5 mins.