Cauliflower Mac Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food makeover with this creamy and cheesy Cauliflower Mac Cheese! A healthy twist on the classic mac and cheese, this dish features tender cauliflower florets smothered in a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, parmesan, and a touch of dijon mustard for tangy depth. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, this recipe delivers bold flavor in every bite. Craving some crunch? An optional golden breadcrumb topping gives it a satisfying crispy finish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this gluten-free-friendly dish is both indulgent and wholesome, making it a perfect side or stand-alone meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, Cauliflower Mac Cheese is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their veggie game!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups, grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons paprika
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups bread crumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for bread crumbs)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and steam or boil them for 5-7 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden, creating a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Place the cooked cauliflower florets into a greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the florets, ensuring they are well coated.
If using bread crumbs, toss them with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the dish for added texture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy your creamy cauliflower mac and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2316 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 157.7 g | 202% | |
| Saturated Fat | 90.9 g | 454% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 438 mg | 146% | |
| Sodium | 4879 mg | 212% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 133.1 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.0 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.5 g | ||
| Protein | 113.5 g | 227% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 2906 mg | 224% | |
| Iron | 7.1 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 3374 mg | 72% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
