Description
This recipe elevates classic mac and cheese with a creamy white cheddar sauce, roasted garlic, and a vibrant cauliflower puree swirl. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g (10.5 oz) Elbow Macaroni: Cooked al dente.
- 30g (2 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter: For roux and topping.
- 30g (¼ cup) All-Purpose Flour: For thickening the sauce.
- 500ml (2 cup) Whole Milk: Provides a creamy base.
- 250ml (1 cup) Heavy Cream: Adds richness and smoothness.
- 200g (7 oz) White Cheddar Cheese: Shredded for a smooth melt.
- 150g (1 cup) Roasted Garlic-Cauliflower Puree: Adds flavor and visual appeal.
- ½ tsp Salt: To enhance flavors.
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground for optimal flavor.
- Pinch Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky flavor and color.
- 150g (1 cup) Cauliflower Florets: Roasted with garlic for puree.
- 1 clove Garlic: Minced and roasted with cauliflower.
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil: For roasting cauliflower and garlic.
- 50g (½ cup) Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping.
- 1 tsp Dried Parsley: Adds freshness and color.
- ½ tsp Dried Thyme: Complements garlic and cauliflower.
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Boil macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Roast Vegetables: Roast cauliflower and garlic until golden brown.
- Make Puree: Blend roasted vegetables into a smooth puree.
- Prepare Roux: Melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
- Create Sauce: Gradually whisk in milk and cream, then simmer and melt in cheese.
- Incorporate Puree: Fold half of the puree into the cheese sauce.
- Combine & Transfer: Add macaroni to sauce and pour into a baking dish.
- Create Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of reserved puree and swirl into sauce.
- Prepare Topping: Combine breadcrumbs, parsley, thyme, and melted butter.
- Bake to Perfection: Sprinkle topping and bake until golden brown.
- Rest & Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For an extra creamy texture, use full-fat dairy and grate your own cheese. Avoid overbaking to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: mac and cheese,white cheddar,cauliflower,garlic,comfort food,pasta,baked,creamy,easy