Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese Bake—a rich, creamy blend of tender macaroni pasta, wholesome cauliflower florets, and a luscious homemade cheese sauce made with cheddar and parmesan. Enhanced with a hint of ground mustard for depth and topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs, this dish brings a gourmet twist to a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy side dish, this cheesy bake is oven-ready in just 15 minutes of prep time and bakes to bubbly perfection in under 30 minutes. Loaded with flavor, texture, and a subtle veggie boost, this recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams macaroni pasta
- 200 grams cauliflower florets
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 500 milliliters milk
- 200 grams cheddar cheese, grated
- 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 50 grams breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Boil a pot of salted water and cook the macaroni pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. Add the cauliflower florets to the pot during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the salt, black pepper, and ground mustard (if using).
Combine the cooked macaroni and cauliflower with the cheese sauce in the saucepan. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-liter baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese Bake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2952 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 147.7 g | 189% | |
| Saturated Fat | 83.9 g | 420% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 404 mg | 135% | |
| Sodium | 5583 mg | 243% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 287.7 g | 105% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.9 g | 53% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.9 g | ||
| Protein | 133.7 g | 267% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 2758 mg | 212% | |
| Iron | 9.7 mg | 54% | |
| Potassium | 2230 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
