Are you looking for a delicious and nutritious recipe for cauliflower mac and cheese? Look no further! This dish is a fantastic twist on the classic comfort food, offering a creamy, cheesy experience with the added benefit of being packed with vitamins and minerals. Whether you’re a cauliflower lover or not, this recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for a hearty meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower
– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup of flour
– 2 cups of milk
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon of mustard powder
– 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
– 1 tablespoon of butter
– 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (for topping)
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the cauliflower into florets and place them in a steaming basket. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then steam the cauliflower for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s tender. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk together until a roux forms.
4. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper (if using) until well combined.
6. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the saucepan, stirring until melted and well incorporated.
7. Add the steamed cauliflower to the saucepan and stir until evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
8. Transfer the cauliflower mac and cheese to a baking dish, and spread it out evenly.
9. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for the topping.
10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the cauliflower mac and cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
12. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your homemade cauliflower mac and cheese as a cozy, comforting meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. It’s perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or even as a meal prep option for the busy week ahead.
