×
Donal Skehan
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese with Chorizo Breadcrumbs | DonalSkehan.com
  • real-time-recipes

Cauliflower Mac & Cheese with Chorizo Breadcrumbs

December 16

This Cauliflower Mac & Cheese is comfort food with a twist. The roasted cauliflower adds a rich, caramelized flavour that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce. The chorizo breadcrumbs bring a crispy, spicy crunch that takes the dish to the next level—plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover cheese in the fridge. Simple, hearty, and packed with flavour, it’s the kind of dish that’ll make you want seconds!

  • serves Serves 4
  • time 45 mins

Method

  1. 1. First remove the leaves from the cauliflower, reserving any of the younger ones and roughly chop the cauliflower. Place into a bowl with the reserved cauliflower leaves and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss everything together to combine.
  2. 2. Place the contents of the bowl into your Air fryer and cook at 190°C (375°F) for 10 - 15 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and startling to turn golden.
  3. 3. Slice the chorizo into bite-sized pieces and place into a cold pan. Turn the heat on and begin to cook. Tear in some rosemary, thyme and drizzle with a little olive oil.
  4. 4. When the chorizo is starting to turn golden, add the breadcrumbs and toss to coat, then peel 2 garlic cloves and add, whole, to the pan - we will remove them later so don’t worry!
  5. 5. Place the pasta into boiling salted water and cook according to packet instructions and drain when cooked.
  6. 6. In another pot melt the butter and add the flour. Mix well to cook out the flour for a few minutes then gradually add the milk, stirring all the time to avoid lumps
  7. 7. Stir in the Dijon mustard and season then remove from the heat. Grate the cheeses then add to the sauce, stirring until melted.
  8. 8. When the cauliflower is cooked, mix into the cheese sauce along with the drained pasta.
  9. 9. Serve the pasta with the chorizo breadcrumbs sprinkled over the top.

Ingredients

1 small cauliflower

2 fresh chorizo sausages

2 sprigs rosemary

A few thyme sprigs

3.5 oz fresh breadcrumbs (about 1 1/3 cups)

2 garlic cloves

12 oz macaroni pasta

3.5 oz butter (about 1/3 cup)

3.5 oz flour (about 3/4 cup)

1 tsp Dijon mustard

4 cups milk

8.8 oz cheese (about 2 1/4 cups) – use a mix of whatever cheeses you have, such as cheddar, parmesan, gruyère, or smoked cheese

Green salad, to serve

1 small cauliflower

2 fresh chorizo sausages

2 sprigs rosemary

a few thyme sprigs

100g fresh breadcrumbs

2 garlic cloves

350g macaroni pasta

50g butter 

50g flour

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 litre milk

250g cheese – use whatever ends and bits and bobs you have left in the fridge – a combination of cheddar, parmesan and gruyere is lovely or a smoked cheese works well too

Green salad, to serve

You'll Need

Air Fryer