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Jamie Oliver Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower – A Creamy and Nutritious Twist

Jamie Oliver Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower
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Jamie Oliver’s Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower is a delicious variation of the classic mac and cheese, incorporating blended cauliflower into the cheese sauce. The result is a rich, velvety dish with added fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier yet equally indulgent version of traditional macaroni and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta and Sauce:

  • 300g macaroni pasta
  • 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 500ml whole milk
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 100g mature cheddar cheese, grated
  • 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping (Optional):

  • 50g breadcrumbs
  • 25g grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Cauliflower

  1. Boil the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
  2. Cook the cauliflower – In the same pot, add the cauliflower florets in the last 5 minutes of pasta cooking time. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Blend the cauliflower – Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a blender, add half of the milk, and blend until smooth.
  2. Make a roux – In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, stir in the flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Add the milk and cheese – Gradually whisk in the remaining milk and the blended cauliflower mixture. Stir in the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

  1. Mix the pasta with the sauce – Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat.
  2. Optional: Bake with a crispy topping – Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and grated cheese, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Find it online: https://britishrecipeshub.co.uk/mac-and-cheese-with-cauliflower/