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Gordon Ramsay Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 93 reviews

Gordon Ramsay’s Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy, and flavorful baked pasta dish that combines tender elbow macaroni and blanched cauliflower with a luscious cheese sauce made from sharp Cheddar, Lancashire, and Cheshire cheeses. Topped with a crunchy thyme-infused breadcrumb crust, this comfort food classic is elevated with a hint of cayenne pepper and English mustard for subtle warmth and depth.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 1 medium cauliflower (cut into florets)

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp English mustard powder
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup sharp Cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 1 cup Lancashire cheese (grated)
  • 1 cup Cheshire cheese (grated)

Topping and Seasoning

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish later.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until it is just al dente, ensuring the pasta maintains a firm texture for baking.
  3. Blanch Cauliflower: Briefly boil the cauliflower florets until tender but still holding shape, then drain well.
  4. Melt Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat without browning it.
  5. Make Roux: Whisk the all-purpose flour into the melted butter and cook briefly to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
  6. Add Mustard: Stir in the English mustard powder to infuse the sauce with a gentle tanginess.
  7. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the whole milk, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
  8. Melt Cheeses: Add the grated sharp Cheddar, Lancashire, and Cheshire cheeses to the sauce and stir until fully melted and combined.
  9. Season Sauce: Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste, balancing creaminess with a subtle heat.
  10. Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooked macaroni and blanched cauliflower into the cheese sauce, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
  11. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a prepared baking dish, leveling the surface.
  12. Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with fresh thyme leaves to add an herby crunch.
  13. Add Breadcrumb Topping: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb and thyme mixture over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
  14. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Notes

  • The combination of three cheeses creates a complex, rich flavor—feel free to substitute similar sharp cheeses if unavailable.
  • Blanching cauliflower helps keep it tender but not mushy after baking.
  • For a crispier topping, you can broil the mac and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of baking—watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level to balance heat with creaminess.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Gordon Ramsay, Mac and Cheese, baked pasta, cheese sauce, comfort food, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, Lancashire cheese, Cheshire cheese

Find it online: https://todayquickmeals.com/gordon-ramsay-mac-and-cheese-with-cauliflower-recipe/