Go Back

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe
Prep Time 40 mins
Cook Time 20 mins

Equipment

  • blender or food processor
  • casserole dish

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups macaroni or pasta of choice cooked to package instructions
  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup stock or broth of choice chicken is good here
  • 3 Tbsp butter
  • 1/2 onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 3 Tbsp AP flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Pinch cayenne or to taste
  • 1-2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground or freshly grated nutmeg
  • 2 cups melty cheese of choice like mozzarella and/or Gruyere
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan for topping
  • 1 cups grape or cherry tomatoes optional for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a casserole dish or cast-iron frying pan with butter or oil.
  • Boil pasta in boiling salted water, according to the package directions; drain and set aside.
  • Steam cauliflower florets over boiling salted water in a double boiler (or steamer insert) until fork tender. Transfer half of the steamed cauliflower into a blender or food processor and purée with the stock until smooth. Chop remaining cauliflower florets into smaller florets.
  • In a large saucepot, melt butter over medium-low heat until foamy. Add onion and garlic and cook 3–5 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in flour and continue to cook, while stirring, for 3 minutes.
  • Slowly whisk in milk to prevent lumps from forming, whisk in cauliflower purée and continue to simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
  • Whisk in the Dijon, cayenne, paprika and nutmeg. Add the grated cheese and keep on low heat until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Fold in the cooked pasta and remaining chopped cauliflower into the cheese sauce. Spoon into a greased dish.
  • Sprinkle Parmesan overtop and scatter with halved tomatoes if using. Bake approximately 20 minutes or until bubbling and browned on top.
Keyword cauliflower, mac and cheese