Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Best Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, where tender cauliflower florets meet a luscious cheese sauce for a guilt-free delight. Perfect for cozy movie nights or as a standout dish at gatherings, this recipe takes just 30 minutes to create. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds while enjoying a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook cauliflower florets until tender (about 5 minutes), then drain and set aside.
- In the same boiling water, cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbly. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, cauliflower, and cheese sauce. Mix gently.
- Pour into a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg