Cauliflower and macaroni cheese
Treat yourself to the ultimate comfort food experience with our irresistible cauliflower macaroni and cheese recipe. This heavenly dish combines the perfect combination of tender cauliflower florets, creamy melted cheese and al dente macaroni noodles. Bite into a warm, gooey and totally satisfying bite that will transport you to foodie bliss. The combination of flavors and textures will delight your taste buds and make this dish a true crowd pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening at home or hosting a dinner party, our cauliflower macaroni cheese recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Immerse yourself in a bowl of pure comfort today!
Ingredients
- 250g macaroni
- 1 head of cauliflower, broken into pieces
- 25g butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 tsp English mustard powder
- 450 ml milk
- 100 g cheddar cheese, grated
Preparation steps
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, adding the cauliflower for the last 4 minutes.
2. Melt butter in a pan.
3. Stir in flour and mustard powder and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly until a smooth sauce forms.
5. Add three quarters of the cheese and some spices to the sauce.
6. Drain the macaroni and cauliflower.
7. Stir macaroni and cauliflower into the cheese sauce.
8. Pour the mixture into an ovenproof dish.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
10. Let the dish roast briefly under a hot grill until it is golden brown and bubbling.
11. Serve the cauliflower and macaroni cheese with a green salad, if desired.
Nutritional Information
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
| 446 | 17g | 10g | 57g | 7g | 2g | 19g | 0.68g |
Equipment and tools
To prepare the delicious cauliflower macaroni cheese, you will need the following equipment and tools:
- A large pot for cooking macaroni
- A sieve to drain the macaroni
- A pot for making the cheese sauce
- A whisk or spoon for stirring the sauce
- An ovenproof casserole dish
- A grater for grating the cheddar cheese
Allergen information
Here is the allergen information for the cauliflower macaroni and cheese recipe:
- This recipe contains dairy products due to the presence of milk and cheddar cheese.
Storage and leftovers
If you have leftover cauliflower macaroni cheese, follow these storage guidelines:
- Allow the dish to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator.
- Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, place desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until hot.
Recipe: Cauliflower and Macaroni Cheese
Health Benefits of Cauliflower and Macaroni Cheese
Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the creaminess of cheese with the goodness of cauliflower. Not only is it a popular meal but it also offers several health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional benefits offered by the main ingredients of this delicious recipe.
Cauliflower:
Cauliflower is an incredibly nutritious vegetable that is low in calories and full of important vitamins, minerals and fiber. Including cauliflower in your diet can contribute to better health in several ways:
- Rich in Vitamin C: Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage, supports the immune system and promotes collagen production for healthy skin.
- Rich in fiber: With its high fiber content, cauliflower aids digestion, promotes satiety and helps maintain a healthy weight. Fiber also supports a healthy gut by promoting beneficial gut bacteria.
- Good source of antioxidants: Cauliflower contains several antioxidants, including glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, which have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
- Contains choline: Choline is an essential nutrient in cauliflower that plays an important role in brain development, learning and memory. It is also involved in promoting a healthy nervous system.
- Beneficial for bone health: Cauliflower provides important minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin K, which help maintain strong and healthy bones.
Macaroni:
Macaroni, a type of pasta made from durum wheat, is a versatile ingredient that can be used in numerous dishes. Although macaroni should be consumed in moderation due to its calorie content, it does provide some health benefits:
- Provides energy: Macaroni contains carbohydrates, the main source of energy for our body. It provides quick and sustained energy for various body functions.
- Fiber: Although macaroni is not as high in fiber as whole-wheat pasta, it still helps promote healthy digestion and support regular bowel movements.
- Folic acid and vitamin B: Macaroni contains B vitamins, especially folate, which is crucial for the formation of red and white blood cells as well as DNA synthesis and repair.
- Iron: Macaroni provides a small amount of iron, a mineral essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body and preventing anemia.
Cheddar cheese:
Cheddar cheese, known for its rich and sharp flavor, not only enhances the flavor of cauliflower and macaroni cheese, but also provides some nutritional benefits:
- Calcium: Cheddar cheese is an important source of calcium, a mineral important for strong bones and teeth. Adequate calcium intake also supports proper nerve and muscle function.
- Protein: Cheese is considered a good source of protein, necessary for building and repairing tissue, supporting the immune system, and producing enzymes and hormones.
- Vitamin B12: Cheddar cheese contains vitamin B12, an essential nutrient important for red blood cell production, neurological function and DNA synthesis.
- Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): Cheddar cheese is one of the natural dietary sources of CLA, a fatty acid that has been linked to potential health benefits including improved body composition and reduced inflammation.
- Zinc: This type of cheese also provides zinc, an essential mineral involved in various body processes such as immune function, DNA synthesis and wound healing.
