This Macaroni and Cheese Casserole can be made ahead of time to be baked right before dinnertime. Nobody will know that the creamy deliciousness is due to the inclusion of cauliflower in the sauce, packing extra nutrition, to boot. The perfect side to that Easter ham.
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Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
This Macaroni and Cheese Casserole can be made ahead of time to be baked right before dinnertime. Nobody will know that the creamy deliciousness is due to the inclusion of cauliflower in the sauce, packing extra nutrition, to boot.
Ingredients
- 3 T. olive oil,divided
- 1 lb. short pasta of choice, cooked per package directions
- 1 head of cauliflower, cored and thinly sliced
- 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large Vidalia onion, thinly sliced
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 oz. parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
- 1/4 t. mustard powder
- pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 c. Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs
Instructions
- Heat 2 Tablespoons of the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cauliflower, onions, and garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Add 4 cups of water to the vegetables, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are very soft.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the vegetables and place them into a heavy-duty blender or a food processor. Add the cheeses, dried mustard, and cayenne, along with a little of the cooking water, and puree until very smooth, adding more water, if needed to reach the desired consistency.
- Pour over the cooked pasta and stir to coat. Turn into a 9x13" baking pan that has been treated with cooking spray.
- Mix together the remaining 1 Tablespoon of oil with the bread crumbs and sprinkle over the top of the pasta. Refrigerate if making this dish ahead, and bring to room temperature before baking.
- Bake in a preheated 375* oven for 30 minutes until bubbly and browned on top.
Notes
Adapted from a recipe found in Country Living
Nutrition Facts
Calories
228Fat (grams)
9 gSat. Fat (grams)
3 gCarbs (grams)
27 gFiber (grams)
3 gNet carbs
25 gSugar (grams)
3 gProtein (grams)
9 gSodium (milligrams)
371 mgCholesterol (grams)
13 mg





What a cool way to sneak a little cauliflower into Mac and cheese. I want some right now. PS I have that exact casserole bowl. It had a lid that’s long gone!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's an oldie but goodie. My lid is long gone as well.
DeleteA thousand years ago, Jamie Oliver shared a mac and cheese recipe with cauliflower which I thought was absolutely brilliant and I've made it that way ever since! As you say, it's perfect as a main course as well. Gorgeous dish! Hope your Easter is fabulous, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteMy Easter was perfect and so is this cauliflower mac and cheese. I wish I had discovered it when my kids were young.
DeleteI used to make a cheesy veggie bake when we were first married and when my kids were really little, haven't made it in decades, thanks for the reminder! I LOVE the cauli and veg in the mac, this looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteVery tasty, Kelly.
Delete