I love a good macaroni cheese, and every time I make it I try to put a different spin on it. This time it’s a fluffy version inspired by Delia >>see her recipe here
I’ve added grain mustard to perk up my sauce, broccoli to break up the carbs and used parmesan (veggie version) instead of using Gruyere too as the kids sometimes turn their noses up at it. I left the mascarpone in and it really gives a gorgeous glossy texture to the sauce.
But it doesn’t stop there. The fluffy egg whites elevate this old faithful into a pretty sophisticated supper – rather like stepping into a pair of heels when you’re still wearing jeans.
It was wolfed down, seconds were had, but there was still enough to provide Matthew with lunches for the rest of the week!
Macaroni cheese and broccoli souffle
feeds 6-8
prep time: 10 mins
cook time: 30 mins
Ingredients
50g butter
50g plain flour
500ml milk
tbsp grain mustard
pinch nutmeg
100g parmesan cheese, grated
4 egg yolks
350g macaroni
1 head broccoli
4 egg whites
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan, stir in the flour and cook for a few minutes then gradually add the milk whisking all the time to create a smooth white sauce. Once thickened remove from heat and stir in the mustard, nutmeg, half of the parmesan cheese and the egg yolks.
2. Meanwhile cook the macaroni and broccoli until almost done, but not completely all they’ll be totally mushed when you bake them. Drain and stir into the cheese sauce.
3. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
4. Whisk the egg whites until peaks form, then tip into the pan of cheese sauce and carefully fold in until totally combined.
5. Pour into a large oven proof dish (and I mean large as this makes loads) or perhaps two medium-sized ones. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until fluffy and golden. Serve with crusty bread and salad or just on it’s own is fine too.
I’m entering this recipe into Ren’s Family Friendly Friday event for April – it’s the perfect Spring supper for when there’s still a nip in the air and hungry tummies need silencing…
And of course… as it’s a pasta dish… I can enter into Presto Pasta Nights, and I also like to submit it to Spicie Foodie’s Your Best Recipe event too as it was one of my faves for April.
Mrs W says
That looks delish!! Mac ‘n’ Cheese is one of my favourite meals … add Broccoli to the mix and this is one happy lady!
Mrs W x
Katie Bryson says
It’s a classic combo for me too – and a go-to supper when you need a bit of comfort!
Ruth says
Great looking dish for kids of all ages. Thanks for sharing with Presto Pasta Nights.
Katie Bryson says
you’re welcome – thanks for having me 🙂
Karen says
Many thanks for popping over to see me at Lavender and Lovage Katie! This recipe is JUST the sort of meal I love midweek, and I think the addition of broccoli is pure genius too! Have a very Happy Easter, Karen 🙂
Katie Bryson says
I’ve been meaning to pop over for ages but finally the holidays have allowed me some time! Glad you like the macaroni cheese recipe – it is a great mid-week supper. Have a great weekend xxx
Ren Behan says
Fluffy is such a lovely word for this recipe! Looks delicious. Thank you so much for linking up to FFF! Have a great Easter x
Katie Bryson says
Thanks Ren – have a fab Easter with the family 🙂
Fishfingers for tea says
I really, really like the sound of this. It sounds like something I’d love. I often use grain mustard in both cauliflower and macaroni cheese, it livens it up nicely!
Katie Bryson says
It’s a bit of extra effort for a weeknight supper, but well worth it 🙂
Nancy/SpicieFoodie says
A good Macaroni and Cheese never fails to fully satisfy. Yours looks really good! Thanks for being a part of the YBR:)
Katie Bryson says
Thanks Nancy – there are some lovely looking dishes on there – very inspiring!