BEST Baked Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese
Ingredients
- 6-8 cups cauliflower)
chopped into 1-inch pieces (I used 1 1/2 heads of cauliflower
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces, see note
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- 2
Fill a microwave-safe bowl with 1 inch of water. Add cauliflower to the bowl and microwave on high for 8 minutes. Drain and set cauliflower aside.
- 3
In a large sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- 4
Stir in flour for about 3 minutes.
- 5
Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until completely incorporated and mixture is thick and smooth.
- 6
Remove from heat, salt, pepper, stir in garlic powder, and shredded cheese until melted and completely incorporated and smooth.
- 7
Stir in cauliflower. Transfer to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 8
BAKE for 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and begins to brown. Switch to BROIL for 2-4 minutes to brown the top a bit more.
- 9
Dish will be hot! Allow to cool slightly before serving.
BEST Baked Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese
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Based on 228 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving the creamy, comforting taste of mac and cheese without the heavy carbs? This BEST Baked Cauliflower 'Mac' and Cheese delivers a remarkably satisfying and cheesy experience that you'll feel good about.
What makes this cauliflower 'mac' stand out is how it captures all the rich flavor of a classic cheddar sauce, perfectly blanketing tender, roasted cauliflower. You get all the hearty satisfaction without compromising on that irresistible, gooey cheese pull, making it a clever twist on a beloved comfort dish.
Prepare yourself for a comforting dish that's rich, creamy, and deeply savory. Each forkful offers tender cauliflower enveloped in a velvety smooth, sharp cheddar cheese sauce, with a hint of garlic and a subtle warmth from freshly cracked black pepper. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet light, proving that healthy eating can still be utterly delicious. This dish is designed to be straightforward to prepare, bringing a homemade warmth to your table with minimal fuss.
While sharp cheddar cheese provides a robust flavor, you can certainly experiment with other excellent melting cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or even a blend for a more complex profile. For a lighter touch, you could try substituting a portion of the whole milk with a lower-fat milk, though it may slightly reduce the sauce's creaminess. If you're looking to elevate the flavor even further, a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce could add an unexpected kick to the creamy sauce.
This Baked Cauliflower 'Mac' and Cheese is perfect as a fulfilling main course for a weeknight family dinner or as a standout side dish for a potluck gathering. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a lean protein like roasted chicken.