1. Cook Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add macaroni pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make Béchamel Sauce:
   • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the plain flour and whisk to combine. Cook for about 1 minute.
   • Gradually pour in half of the whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Slowly add the remaining milk, continuing to whisk until smooth.
3. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
   • Stir in the grated mature cheddar, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, and season with sea salt and pepper to taste. Mix until melted and smooth.
4. Combine:
   • Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.

For Macaroni Cheese Prosciutto Cups:

5. Prepare Cups:
   • Preheat the oven to gas mark 5 (190 degrees C). Grease a muffin tin and line each cup with 2 slices of prosciutto to form a cup shape. Bake for about 5 minutes until slightly crispy.
6. Fill Cups:
   • Spoon the macaroni cheese mixture into each prosciutto cup and top with crispy fried onions.
7. Bake:
   • Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chives before serving.

For Macaroni Cheese Croque Monsieur:

8. Assemble:
   • Spread a spoonful of macaroni cheese onto a slice of sourdough bread. Top with sliced ham and a smear of Dijon mustard. Place another slice of bread on top, then spoon béchamel sauce over it and sprinkle with grated cheddar.
9. Air Fry:
   • Preheat the air fryer to 200 degrees C. Air fry the sandwich for about 5 minutes until golden and crispy.

For Mozzarella Stuffed Macaroni Cheese Balls:

10. Make Balls:
    • Take portions of the macaroni cheese mixture and form into even-sized balls. Insert a small piece of mozzarella cheese into the center of each ball. Freeze for 2-3 hours until firm.
11. Bread:
    • Prepare a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and golden breadcrumbs. Coat each ball in flour, dip in the egg, and roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
12. Fry:
    • In a deep pan, heat vegetable oil to 180 degrees C. Fry the macaroni cheese balls for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.