THE BEST CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE
This Cauliflower Mac and Cheese will satisfy all of your mac and cheese cravings! Roasted cauliflower is coated in a cheesy sauce and is simply the best!
Provided by Kathryn Donangelo
Categories Main Course Side Dish
Time 30m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Place the cauliflower on a baking sheet coated with foil or parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil, salt, and pepper on the cauliflower pieces and coat well. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cauliflower pieces or softened. Some pieces will be darker in color.
- Once the cauliflower is cooked, in a large pot on low heat add the heavy cream and the cream cheese. Whisk until the cream cheese is melted. Add the remaining cheeses and continue to stir until all cheeses are melted. Add the spices to the sauce and incorporate- this process is quick and will take a few minutes. Once the cheesy mixture is smooth and comes to a simmer, REMOVE FROM HEAT and vigorously whisk.
- Add the roasted cauliflower pieces and stir until all of the cauliflower pieces are coated. Serve immediately and enjoy! Sprinkle paprika on top if you want some extra spice!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 408 kcal, Carbohydrate 4.6 g, Protein 15.4 g, Fat 37.3 g, SaturatedFat 20.9 g, Cholesterol 4.6 mg, Sodium 503 mg, Sugar 1.5 g, ServingSize 1 serving
MAC AND CHEESE WITH CAULIFLOWER
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 grated garlic clove in a small nonstick skillet over medium heat until foamy. Stir in the panko, season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the parsley.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook as the label directs for al dente, adding the cauliflower during the last 4 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking water, then drain the macaroni and cauliflower; set aside. Carefully wipe out the pot.
- Return the pot to the stove, add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and melt over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 2 grated garlic cloves and cook 1 minute. Whisk in the flour and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, return to a simmer and cook until thickened and smooth, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the cream cheese and cheddar until smooth; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Stir the spinach into the cheese sauce until wilted, then add the macaroni and cauliflower; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the reserved cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Divide among bowls and top with the herbed panko.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 740, Fat 35 grams, SaturatedFat 20 grams, Cholesterol 99 milligrams, Sodium 873 milligrams, Carbohydrate 74 grams, Fiber 10 grams, Protein 32 grams, Sugar 11 grams
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Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by many for generations. However, for those who are looking for a healthier twist on the classic, Amy's Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe is the perfect alternative. This recipe has gained a lot of popularity due to its unique blend of flavors and the added nutritional benefits of cauliflower.
The Recipe
To make Amy's Cauliflower Mac and Cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1 pound of elbow macaroni
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the head of cauliflower and cook until it is tender, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the cauliflower from the pot and set it aside to cool.
- Add the macaroni to the same pot of boiling water and cook until it is al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
- In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
- Pour the milk into the pot with the butter and flour mixture. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded cheese to the pot and whisk until it is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Chop the cooked cauliflower into small pieces and add it to the pot with the cheese sauce. Mix until the cheese sauce and cauliflower are evenly distributed.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the pot and mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs (optional).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Nutritional Benefits of Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable and is loaded with vitamins and minerals that are essential to the body. One cup of cauliflower contains only 25 calories and is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, folate, and potassium. In addition, cauliflower is high in fiber which can aid in digestion and help you feel fuller for longer periods of time, making it a great addition to any meal.
Conclusion
Amy's Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe is a delicious and healthy spin on the classic macaroni and cheese dish. The addition of cauliflower provides added nutritional benefits while still maintaining the creamy, cheesy goodness that we all know and love. This recipe is easy to make and is perfect for a cozy night in or as a dish to bring to a potluck or dinner party.