Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower

Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, but what if you could make it even healthier without sacrificing flavor? Enter Creamy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese Delight, a dish that seamlessly blends the creamy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the nutritional benefits of cauliflower. This recipe not only satisfies your cheesy cravings but also adds a wholesome twist to your meal.

Easy Baked Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower

Looking for a comforting dish that feels like spring? Try this creamy cauliflower mac & cheese delight! It's the perfect healthy twist on a classic, blending rich cheeses with wholesome cauliflower for a dish that's indulgent yet guilt-free. Ideal for brunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe satisfies cravings while packing in nutrients. Easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table, save this for later or try it tonight!

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Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for added tang)

1/4 teaspoon paprika (for a hint of smokiness)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for your creamy bake.

Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water in case you need to adjust the consistency of the sauce later. Set aside.

Prepare Cauliflower: In a steaming setup over boiling water, place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket. Steam until tender, about 5–7 minutes. Alternatively, for a quicker method, place florets in a covered microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water and microwave for about 5 minutes. Once cooked, mash the cauliflower with a fork or puree in a blender for a super smooth texture. Set aside.

Make Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it starts to bubble. Gradually stir in the flour, cooking for about 1 minute, constantly stirring until it turns a light golden color. Slowly whisk in the milk, and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and thickens, approximately 3–5 minutes.

Incorporate Flavors and Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat, and fold in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), paprika, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth, creamy, and fully melted.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, mashed cauliflower, and the creamy cheese sauce. Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed and coated.

Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the olive oil, mixing well to ensure the breadcrumbs are lightly coated—this adds a delightful crunch to your topping.

Assemble & Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the top.

Bake: Place the baking dish into your preheated oven, and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and bubbling with deliciousness.

Cool & Serve: After baking, allow the dish to cool for about 5 minutes. This step allows the mixture to set a bit, making it easier to serve.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 6

- Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy cauliflower mac & cheese in individual bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a pop of color and additional flavor. Enjoy your delicious, comforting dish!