SMASHED CAULIFLOWER WITH WHITE CHEDDAR SAUCE

Smashed Cauliflower With White Cheddar Sauce image

Provided by Ellen Bales

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 small cauliflower heads (or two large)
2 Tbsp butter
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 clove minced garlic (or more if you prefer)
1 c half and half
1/2 c milk
2 tsp minced onion
6-8 oz Vermont white cheddar cheese, shredded or sliced
salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

1. Wash cauliflower and cut into medium-sized florets. Add to a large pot of boiling, salted water. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour, making a paste. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly add milk and half-and-half and stir until it starts to thicken.
3. Add remaining ingredients and simmer on low heat until cheese melts. If mixture is too thick, add more milk, a little at a time, and mix thoroughly.
4. Stir the hot cheese sauce into the cooked and drained cauliflower and mix well, smashing with a large spoon as you go.
5. Serve with your favorite entree.