Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

 

Welcome! In this post, I am sharing an easy recipe for macaroni and cheese with cauliflower florets.  Adding cauliflower to the macaroni and cheese is a great way to sneak in a vegetable.  If you don't have cauliflower, feel free to substitute broccoli. 

This meatless meal doesn't require too many ingredients, and it makes a delicious leftover for work lunches!  Alright, let's get started.

Ingredients:

• 8oz. elbow macaroni pasta
• 1 (10.8 oz.) bag frozen cauliflower florets
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups 1% milk
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or any melting cheese)
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, and garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• Lightly grease a 9"x13" baking dish.
• Cook the pasta according to package directions.  
• Cook the frozen cauliflower florets according to the package directions. Allow the florets to drain on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess liquid.  Cut the larger florets into bite-size pieces.
• Place the cooked pasta and cooked cauliflower in the greased baking dish.  Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Prepare the cheese sauce.  Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over Medium Heat.  Slowly whisk in the flour one tablespoon at a time.  Let the roux cook for about 2-3 minutes, until thickened and bubbly.  

  

  Roux

  
  
• Slowly stir in the milk - a little at a time - until a sauce forms.  
• Reduce the heat to Low (or Melt Setting) and add in the cheese a little at a time.  After all of the cheese has been mixed in, add your seasonings.  Start by adding 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp garlic powder.  Taste the sauce and add more seasoning if needed.

Cheese Sauce

• Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and cauliflower.  Gently stir to incorporate the sauce.  Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top the casserole, if desired.
• Bake for 10 minutes.
• Let the hot dish rest on a trivet.  

Servings: 6

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese 
(with side salad and bread)

Let me know if you made this recipe! Feel free to leave a comment or question.