Cauli cheese macaroni

Method 1

Ingredients

300g macaroni

or rigati

1 small cauliflower

cut into florets

50g butter

50g flour

600ml full-fat milk

140g extra mature cheddar

coarsely grated

2 garlic cloves

crushed

50g breadcrumbs

small bunch thyme

leaves picked

step 1

Heat the grill to its highest setting and bring a large pan of salted water to the boil. Cook the pasta for 4 mins, then add the cauliflower for a further 8 mins. Drain, reserving 100ml of the cooking water.

step 2

Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium pan over a low heat and stir in the flour. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken. Bubble for a few mins, then remove from the heat. Add the cheese, the reserved cooking water and seasoning to taste.

step 3

Tip the pasta and cauliflower into a large casserole dish and stir through the cheese sauce. Mix together the garlic, breadcrumbs and thyme, and scatter over the top. Grill for 2-3 mins until bubbling.

Method 2

🧀 Cauli Cheese Macaroni

✅ Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the pasta & cauliflower:

250g (about 2 cups) macaroni (or any short pasta)

1 small cauliflower, chopped into small florets (about 2–3 cups)

For the cheese sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons plain flour

2 cups milk (whole or semi-skimmed works best)

1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or English – optional but adds flavor)

1½ cups (150g) grated mature cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

Salt & pepper, to taste

Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta & cauliflower:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add macaroni and cauliflower florets together. Cook for 8–10 minutes until both are tender.

Drain and set aside.

2. Make the cheese sauce:

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux.

Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring, until thickened.

Add mustard, salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

Stir in the cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.

3. Combine & bake (optional):

Mix the cooked pasta and cauliflower into the sauce.

Optionally, transfer to a baking dish, top with a little extra cheese, and grill or bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

📝 Tips:

Make it smoother: Blend the cauliflower into the sauce before adding the pasta for a super creamy hidden-veg version.

Extra flavor: Add a handful of Parmesan or a little blue cheese for a grown-up twist.

Add-ins: Stir in cooked bacon, spinach, or peas for variety.

Comments

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