Indulge in a comforting and healthier twist on a classic with our Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese! This dish blends the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the nutritious, tender bites of cauliflower. It's a delicious way to add vegetables to your meal without sacrificing flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Yields 4 servings
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 470mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 15g
Ingredients
- Cauliflower, cut into small florets - 1 large head
- Elbow macaroni - 1 cup
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1½ cups
- Milk - 2 cups
- All-purpose flour - 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons
- Garlic powder - ½ teaspoon
- Mustard powder - ½ teaspoon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Bread crumbs - ½ cup
- Parmesan cheese, grated - ¼ cup
- Fresh parsley, chopped - for garnish
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the cauliflower florets in boiling water until just tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and mix with the cauliflower.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower and macaroni. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Don't overcook the cauliflower to maintain a good texture.
- For extra creaminess, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
- Experiment with different cheeses for various flavors.
- You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight kick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and pasta.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely, broccoli or peas make great additions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Your Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a delightful dish that combines comfort with nutrition. It's a perfect choice for those seeking the coziness of mac and cheese with a healthy twist. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and veggie-packed meal that's sure to please both kids and adults alike!