Description
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese is a quick and easy version of the classic comfort food, combining pasta and cauliflower with a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This dish adds a nutritious twist by incorporating cauliflower, making it not only delicious but also healthier.
Ingredients
-
- 400g dried macaroni pasta
-
- 1 small cauliflower (cut into small florets)
-
- 250g cheddar cheese (grated)
-
- 50g Parmesan cheese (grated)
-
- 250ml crème fraîche
-
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
-
- Olive oil
-
- Salt and pepper to taste
-
- Fresh thyme or parsley (optional, for garnish)
-
- Optional breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the cauliflower florets to the boiling water with the pasta. Cook until both the pasta and cauliflower are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the crème fraîche and Dijon mustard, and heat gently. Gradually add the grated cheddar and Parmesan, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the drained pasta and cauliflower to the cheese sauce and stir to combine everything evenly. Make sure the pasta and cauliflower are well coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
For extra texture, you can top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs. Simply sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and extra grated cheese over the top. Transfer the mixture to an ovenproof dish and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Once the cauliflower macaroni cheese is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for added color and flavor, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!