Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese is his twist on the classic macaroni and cheese. Instead of just sticking to pasta and cheese, he swaps some of the pasta for cauliflower, making the dish lighter yet still creamy and indulgent. It’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your meal and the cauliflower complements the creamy cheese sauce perfectly. It’s comfort food but with a bit of a healthy edge.
The beauty of this recipe is that you still get all the flavors of the original but the cauliflower adds a subtle earthy depth. It’s a great way to use cauliflower if you’re tired of just roasting it or putting it in a stir-fry. The recipe balances between rich cheese sauce, tender cauliflower and just the right amount of pasta. It’s a satisfying dish that can work as a main or a side.
Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Jamie’s recipe for cauliflower macaroni cheese isn’t filled with obscure ingredients. Most of the stuff you likely already have at home. Here’s the breakdown:
- Macaroni: Classic choice for macaroni cheese, though you could swap it out for other pasta like penne or fusilli if you prefer.
- Cauliflower: This is the star of the show! You’ll need a medium-sized cauliflower, cut into florets.
- Milk: Whole milk is typically used for that rich, creamy base in the sauce.
- Butter: Adds that rich texture to the sauce.
- Flour: To make a roux (the base for the cheese sauce).
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is what Jamie recommends for the best flavor but you can play around with other cheeses like Gruyère or Parmesan for added complexity.
- Mustard: A little bit of Dijon mustard gives the sauce a nice tang.
- Nutmeg: A tiny pinch adds warmth to the dish.
- Garlic and Onion: For extra flavor, these are sautéed to form a delicious base for the sauce.
- Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping, giving the dish that golden, crunchy finish.
Equipment Needed
The equipment list for this dish is simple and nothing too special is needed. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Large saucepan: To cook your pasta and cauliflower.
- Frying pan or skillet: For sautéing your onions and garlic.
- Ovenproof dish: A medium-sized baking dish that can handle being under the grill (broiler) to finish off the dish.
- Whisk: To smooth out your roux (butter and flour mix) and keep the sauce from clumping.
- Colander: To drain the pasta and cauliflower.
- Grater: For shredding the cheese. Pre-grated cheese works but grating it fresh gives you a smoother melt.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese
Making this cauliflower macaroni cheese is relatively easy and the process comes together quickly once you have everything prepped.
- Prep the cauliflower and pasta: Start by boiling your macaroni in salted water. You want it just shy of fully cooked, so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven. In another pot, cook the cauliflower until tender. this usually takes around 10 minutes but keep an eye on it. Drain both when they’re done.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a frying pan, melt some butter, then add finely chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant. Once that’s done, sprinkle in the flour and cook it for a couple of minutes to form a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to make a smooth sauce. Stir in Dijon mustard, nutmeg and cheese, letting the cheese melt in. Season it with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine everything: In your baking dish, mix the cooked pasta and cauliflower. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the top and toss it all together until everything is coated.
- Top with breadcrumbs: Sprinkle breadcrumbs and a bit more cheese over the top, then place the dish under the grill (broiler) to get the topping crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy: Let it cool for a minute, then serve it up! The combination of the crispy top with the smooth, cheesy inside is what makes this dish so comforting.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese taught me a lot about balancing comfort food with a touch of health. The cauliflower doesn’t overpower the dish but rather adds a subtle depth to the flavor. The creamy cheese sauce is rich but not too heavy, thanks to the cauliflower lightening the whole thing up.
The most surprising part? How simple the whole process is. It’s easy to get caught up in complicated recipes but this one relies on quality ingredients and basic techniques. The breadcrumbs on top provide that satisfying crunch that takes it from just ’good’ to “really good”.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese
Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese is already a pretty great dish but there’s always room for some fun tweaks to make it your own. One simple swap could be adding some crispy bacon bits. The savory crunch of bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy cauliflower sauce, giving it a delicious contrast in texture.
For a vegetarian twist, swap out bacon for some sautéed mushrooms. Their earthiness adds depth to the dish and mushrooms really take on the flavor of the creamy sauce. You can also throw in some spinach or kale if you’re looking to add a pop of color and a bit more nutrition.
Want to make it even cheesier? Add a mix of cheeses. While the recipe usually calls for a classic cheese like cheddar, adding some Gruyère, Parmesan or even a bit of blue cheese can take it to another level. Gruyère will give it that rich, nutty flavor that melts beautifully.
For some extra flavor punch, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of mustard powder can elevate the taste, making it more complex and interesting. If you’re into a little heat, a pinch of chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce can give the dish a fun kick.
And for texture, consider adding some crunchy breadcrumbs on top before baking. You can mix them with a bit of olive oil or melted butter and if you want a more gourmet touch, toss in some herbs like thyme or rosemary.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Leftovers are always a bonus, especially when a dish like cauliflower macaroni cheese is involved. To store it properly, let the dish cool to room temperature before putting it in an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the sauce from becoming soggy.
You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. If you think you won’t finish it within that time frame, you can freeze it. Freezing works great for this type of dish but be mindful that the texture of the cauliflower might change slightly when reheated. To freeze, portion out individual servings so you don’t have to defrost the whole thing at once.
When reheating, it’s best to do it slowly, either in the oven or on the stove. If you’re reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to avoid it drying out. You can add a bit of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce as it may thicken while sitting in the fridge.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese?
This creamy, cheesy dish is rich, so you’ll want some lighter sides to balance it out. A simple, crisp salad is the perfect choice. Think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette or a cucumber and tomato salad with a drizzle of olive oil, lemon juice and fresh herbs.
For something a bit heartier, roasted vegetables-like carrots, Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes-pair wonderfully. Their sweetness complements the richness of the macaroni cheese, adding both variety and color to your meal.
If you’re in the mood for some protein, grilled chicken or a nice roast chicken can balance things out. The mild flavors from the chicken won’t overpower the cauliflower macaroni but they will add that extra substance to make the meal more filling.
For a touch of freshness, a zesty slaw would also go well. The crunch and acidity will provide a nice contrast to the creamy macaroni cheese.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Cheese For Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese?
Yes, you can swap the cheese for whatever you prefer, but a sharp cheese like cheddar or gruyere will keep the flavor rich!
How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese?
It should take around 30-40 minutes, depending on how fast you prep your ingredients.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve!
