01/10/2025
Cauliflower Mac n Cheese 🧀
A Family favorite given a bit of a veg tweak. The creamy chunks of cauliflower work so well with the rich comforting sauce, but other veg like broccoli, wedges or pumpkin or even a handful frozen peas will be great also. Enjoy!
Recipe ⬇️
1⁄2 large cauliflower, cut into 6 wedges
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sea salt & pepper to taste
125g butter
1 cup Sourdough breadcrumbs
350g macaroni pasta
1⁄2 leek, washed, sliced
75g plain flour
750ml whole milk
4 sprigs thyme, plus extra to serve
100g tasty cheese, grated
50g Mozzarella cheese, grated
50g Parmesan cheese, grated, plus extra
Method
Pre heat oven to 180 degrees C. Arrange the cauliflower wedges into a roasting tray, drizzle with oil and season with a pinch of salt. Roast for 25 minutes, or until tender & golden. Meanwhile Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water for 9 minutes, or until al dente. Drain & set aside.
Heat 50g of the butter over a medium heat in a large frying pan. Cook for 2 minutes, or until the milk solids start to turn golden and it smells nutty. Add in the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
Place the same pan back onto the heat with the remaining 75g of butter over a medium heat. Add in the leek and cook for 2 minutes to soften. Scatter in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, or until it has absorbed all the butter. Pour in 1/3 of the milk and stir well for 1-2 minutes, or until all the milk has been incorporated into the flour. Pour in the rest of the milk and thyme then continue to stir for 2 minutes, or until thickened and smooth. Add in the cheeses, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir the cheese through for 2 minutes, or until the sauce is rich and silky.
Stir the pasta through the cheese sauce until well combined. Pour the pasta over the cauliflower wedges then top with a little extra Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes, or until golden & bubbling. Remove from the oven and scatter with pangratatto and thyme leaves before serving.
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