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Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese

Recipes

Jennifer Scott
August 30, 2025

Why Make This Recipe

Macaroni cauliflower cheese is a comforting dish that combines the creamy goodness of cheese with the nutritious benefits of cauliflower. It’s a great way to sneak more vegetables into your meal without sacrificing taste. This recipe is suitable for all ages and makes a perfect family dinner or a hearty side dish.

How to Make Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese

Ingredients:

1 small cauliflower (approximately 775g/1¾lb), leaves and stalk removed, cut into florets
250g/9oz dried macaroni or similar small pasta shapes
50g/2oz butter, plus extra for greasing
50g/2oz plain flour
500ml/17fl oz milk
150g/5oz mature cheddar, finely grated
Salt (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. Lightly grease a 2 litre/3½ pint shallow ovenproof dish with butter.
Half fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add the cauliflower florets and boil for 10-12 minutes, or until very soft. Drain and set aside.
Half-fill the same pan with water and return to the boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan over a low heat, then whisk in the flour until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Cook, whisking constantly, for 30 seconds.
Gradually whisk in the milk a little at a time, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer and waiting for it to thicken after each addition. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until all the milk has been incorporated and the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in two-thirds of the cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
Add the cauliflower to the sauce, and blend until smooth using a hand-held blender. Warm the mixture through gently, adding a bit more seasoning or milk if required. The finished sauce should have the consistency of pouring custard.
Drain the pasta and transfer it to the ovenproof dish. Pour over the sauce and stir to combine. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and the sauce is bubbling.

How to Serve Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese

Serve the macaroni cauliflower cheese hot from the oven. You can enjoy it as a main dish or serve it as a side dish with your favorite protein, like grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

How to Store Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese

To store leftover macaroni cauliflower cheese, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It should be good for up to three days. You can reheat it in the microwave or in the oven until it’s warmed through.

Tips to Make Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese

Make sure the cauliflower is very soft before blending to get a smooth sauce.
Feel free to add extra herbs or spices to the cheese sauce for more flavor.
For a crunchier topping, consider adding breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Variation

You can swap out the mature cheddar for other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese, depending on your taste preference. You can also add cooked bacon or ham for extra protein.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower florets. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before using.

2. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this macaroni cauliflower cheese recipe is vegetarian, as it does not contain any meat.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

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Jennifer Scott

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