Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese from his 30 Minute Meals cookbook is a twist on the classic comfort food we all know and love-mac and cheese. He uses cauliflower to make the dish lighter while still delivering all the creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a quicker, healthier alternative that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. In the 30-minute time frame, Jamie manages to create a dish that’s both indulgent and a bit of a nutritional win, thanks to the cauliflower. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a cozy, satisfying meal but who also wants something a little more veggie-forward.
The cauliflower acts as a base, blending into the cheesy sauce and creating a smooth texture that mimics the richness of the traditional cheese sauce. This dish is great for vegetarians and can easily be adapted for different dietary needs. The whole meal comes together quickly which is typical of Jamie’s 30-minute meals series-designed for those days when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Jamie Oliver Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese 30 Minute Meals Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese, you’ll need:
- Macaroni pasta – This is the base and you can use any short pasta if macaroni isn’t available.
- Cauliflower – Fresh cauliflower is key here. It provides a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and creates a velvety sauce when blended.
- Cheese – A mix of mature cheddar and Parmesan adds depth to the sauce. The cheddar brings richness while the Parmesan adds that salty, umami kick.
- Milk and cream – These combine to form the creamy sauce, making the dish indulgent without being too heavy.
- Butter – To help sauté the cauliflower and add to the richness of the sauce.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic for that savory, aromatic touch that complements the creaminess.
- Mustard – A bit of mustard adds a zing that cuts through the richness and balances the dish.
- Breadcrumbs – For a crunchy topping, offering texture contrast to the creamy sauce underneath.
- Seasoning – Salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg round out the flavors.
Equipment Needed
Making this dish doesn’t require any fancy equipment but here’s what you’ll need:
- Large pot – To cook the macaroni and boil the cauliflower.
- Frying pan – For sautéing the cauliflower and garlic.
- Blender or food processor. To blend the cauliflower into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Ovenproof dish or baking tray. For the final bake, giving the breadcrumbs time to crisp up.
- Grater – To shred the cheese and Parmesan.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese 30 Minute Meals
- Boil the Pasta: Start by cooking the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water. It usually takes around 8-10 minutes. While it’s cooking, you can prep the cauliflower.
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Chop the cauliflower into florets. Heat some butter in a pan and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the cauliflower and cook it down a bit before pouring in milk and a touch of cream. Let it simmer until the cauliflower becomes tender.
- Make the Sauce: Once the cauliflower is tender, use a blender or food processor to blitz it into a creamy texture. Add the cheese, a bit of mustard and season to taste with salt, pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. This should give you a rich, cheesy sauce.
- Combine: Drain the macaroni, then toss it with the cauliflower cheese sauce. Stir it well to coat the pasta completely.
- Top It Off: Transfer everything into an ovenproof dish, top with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over some extra cheese for a golden crust.
- Bake: Pop it into the oven for about 10 minutes or until the top is crispy and golden.
- Serve: Let it cool down slightly before serving up your delicious, cheesy cauliflower macaroni!
What I Learnt
What really stands out from making Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese is how cauliflower can easily take the place of heavier ingredients like cream or butter without sacrificing the creamy texture and flavor we crave in a mac and cheese dish. The cauliflower blends into the sauce so well that even those who might be skeptical about eating more veggies would likely be surprised by how good it tastes.
The importance of balancing the flavors also becomes apparent. The mustard gives a sharp kick that cuts through the richness while the nutmeg adds a subtle warmth. The cheesy topping adds a great contrast to the creamy interior.
Making a healthier version of a beloved dish doesn’t mean compromising on taste. Jamie’s approach is a reminder that simple swaps can still give us the comfort we desire without going overboard on calories.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese 30 Minute Meals
Jamie Oliver’s cauliflower macaroni cheese is already a winner but there’s always room for a little personalization! First off, the cauliflower itself can be roasted instead of just boiled. Toss it in olive oil, salt and pepper, then roast it until the edges are golden and crispy. This adds a deeper, caramelized flavor that blends beautifully with the creamy cheese sauce.
If you want to play with the cheese a bit, try mixing in a little blue cheese or a sharp cheddar for an added bite. Some people also like to sprinkle in a bit of Parmesan before serving for a salty, umami boost.
For a twist on texture, you could use a whole-grain or gluten-free pasta, depending on your dietary needs. The slight nuttiness of whole grain pasta complements the richness of the dish.
Also, try adding a handful of spinach or kale to sneak in some extra greens. just sauté it with garlic before mixing it into the dish. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not stir in some roasted butternut squash? It’ll give a subtle sweetness that contrasts well with the cheese sauce.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Leftover cauliflower macaroni cheese? Yes, please. This dish stores surprisingly well. First, let it cool to room temperature before you stash it away in an airtight container. In the fridge, it’ll keep for about 3-4 days.
When reheating, you can gently warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. Just add a tiny splash of milk or cream to keep it from drying out. If you’re short on time, microwave it for a couple of minutes, stirring halfway through. You’ll still get that creamy goodness back!
If you’ve made a big batch or are simply anticipating more leftovers, consider freezing it. You can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Just remember to let it cool fully before freezing and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat as you normally would.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese 30 Minute Meals?
This mac and cheese is hearty on its own but sometimes you want a little side to round out the meal. Since the dish has a rich, cheesy profile, balance it with something lighter and crisp.
A simple, fresh green salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess. Think arugula, spinach or mixed greens with a bit of shaved fennel and cucumber for crunch. You can even throw in some roasted nuts for an extra texture contrast.
Alternatively, some garlic bread (you know, the crispy, buttery kind) is always a hit. The crunchiness and buttery richness pair perfectly with the soft, creamy pasta.
If you’re in the mood for something with a little more substance, grilled chicken or salmon makes a great addition. The smoky flavor of the grilled meat contrasts nicely with the richness of the macaroni cheese.
For a vegetarian option, a simple vegetable stir-fry with bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms could be an excellent choice.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese In The Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix for different flavors.
Is It Possible To Make Jamie Oliver’s Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese Recipe Gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the pasta with gluten-free macaroni or any gluten-free pasta you prefer.
How Can I Make The Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese Spicier?
You can add a pinch of chili flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some fresh chili to the sauce for an extra kick.
