Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese Bake

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese Bake—a rich, creamy blend of tender macaroni pasta, wholesome cauliflower florets, and a luscious homemade cheese sauce made with cheddar and parmesan. Enhanced with a hint of ground mustard for depth and topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs, this dish brings a gourmet twist to a family favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy side dish, this cheesy bake is oven-ready in just 15 minutes of prep time and bakes to bubbly perfection in under 30 minutes. Loaded with flavor, texture, and a subtle veggie boost, this recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams macaroni pasta
• 200 grams cauliflower florets
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 500 milliliters milk
• 200 grams cheddar cheese, grated
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
• 50 grams breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

Step 2

Boil a pot of salted water and cook the macaroni pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions recommend. Add the cauliflower florets to the pot during the last 3 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a smooth roux.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the salt, black pepper, and ground mustard (if using).

Step 6

Combine the cooked macaroni and cauliflower with the cheese sauce in the saucepan. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to a greased 2-liter baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Macaroni Cauliflower Cheese Bake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1352.5 grams (1352.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2952

Total Fat 147.70g	189%
Saturated Fat 83.90g	420%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.70g
Cholesterol 404mg	135%
Sodium 5583mg	243%
Total Carbohydrate 287.70g	105%
Dietary Fiber 14.90g	53%
Total Sugars 39.90g
Protein 133.70g	267%

Vitamin D 270IU	1349%
Calcium 2758mg	212%
Iron 10mg	54%
Potassium 2231mg	47%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.1%

Protein: 17.7%

Carbs: 38.2%