Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Try this Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe.
Try this Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe.
- 2 bay leaves
- sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil plus more for greasing the pan (where to buy)
- 1 1/2 cups organic chicken or vegetable stock (here’s how to
- 1 head organic cauliflower washed and chopped
- 8 ounces short organic pasta of your choice (macaroni ziti, gluten free, etc.)
- 1/2 cup grated organic grass fed cheese, (i like sharp cheddar)
- 1/2 cup grated organic hard white cheese (i used asiago)
- 1 tablespoon organic dijon mustard (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chopped dried organic parsley
- 1/2 clove organic garlic pressed
- 1/3 upgrated cheese for the top (optional)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs for the top (optional)
- Carbohydrate 0.89964 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 27.30032 g
- Fiber 0.315599990844727 g
- Protein 0.09132 g
- Saturated Fat 23.55536 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (258g)
- Sodium 155.308 mg
- Sugar 0.584040009155273 g
- Trans Fat 1.6306 g
- Calories 238 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large pot, bring water and a little salt to a boil.
- While the water heats, heat the chicken or vegetable stock and the bay leaves on medium high until bubbles form around the edge of the pan, then turn off the heat and allow it to steep.
- Add the chopped cauliflower to the boiling water, and cook for 20-25 minutes.
- When the cauliflower is very tender, spoon it out with a slotted spoon and allow it to drain well.
- Add the pasta to the cooking water, and cook for about 5 minutes…the pasta won’t be done, but that’s ok. It will finish cooking in the oven.
- Drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
- To make the sauce, puree the cauliflower in a food processor (work in batches if you need to).
- Add the cheeses to the hot cauliflower puree.
- Remove the bay leaves and add enough stock to form a creamy (but not watery) sauce, then add the coconut oil, mustard, garlic, parsley, sea salt and pepper.
- Blend until smooth.
- Stir the sauce into the noodles, then transfer the mac and cheese into a greased 9x9 baking pan.
- Sprinkle grated cheese and/or bread crumbs on top, if using.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is bubbling and the topping (if you’re making it with topping) begins to brown.
Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese: A Weeknight Wonder
Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind of early mornings, school runs, deadlines, and the ever-present question: "What's for dinner?" Finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals often feels like an impossible task. But I'm here to tell you, it doesn't have to be. This Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe is my secret weapon for a quick, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing meal that even the pickiest eaters will devour.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It's a twist on a classic comfort food, using cauliflower to lighten up the creamy cheese sauce. Don’t worry; it doesn't taste like cauliflower! The cauliflower blends seamlessly into a smooth, decadent sauce, offering a healthy dose of vegetables without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it's ready in under an hour, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a meal on the table fast.
Why this recipe works:
Speed and efficiency: The short cooking time is a lifesaver during busy evenings. While the pasta cooks, I can usually catch up on emails or even squeeze in a quick workout. The quick bake time is a nice bonus too!
Healthier twist: The addition of cauliflower adds a nutritional punch, giving you a good source of vitamins and fiber without sacrificing the creamy richness that makes mac and cheese so satisfying. Using whole wheat pasta is a nice touch as well to add some extra fiber.
Kid-approved: My kids, who are notoriously picky eaters, gobble this up. It’s everything they love about mac and cheese – creamy, cheesy, and comforting – but with a hidden health boost they won't even notice.
Adaptability: I love how versatile this recipe is. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – sharp cheddar, Gruyere, or even a blend – to create your own signature flavor profile. Adding some roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots in there with the cauliflower would also add some interesting textures and flavors.
Beyond the weeknight: This Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is not just a weeknight staple; it's also perfect for a casual weekend lunch or a potluck gathering. It's always a hit, no matter the occasion. The recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
Tips and tricks:
Don't overcook the cauliflower: You want it tender but not mushy. Overcooked cauliflower can become watery and affect the consistency of the sauce.
Use good quality cheese: The flavor of your cheese will really shine through, so choose a cheese you love. I tend to reach for high-quality organic cheese whenever I can, but what you want to use is your choice here.
Don't be afraid to experiment: Add some herbs, spices, or different types of cheese to customize the recipe to your taste. A dash of nutmeg or smoked paprika can add wonderful depth of flavor.
Make it ahead: You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and bake it just before serving. This is great for busy weeknights or entertaining.
This Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of simple, delicious, and healthy eating. It's a dish that embodies my approach to cooking: quick, easy, nutritious, and utterly satisfying. It’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that showcases the simple pleasure of wholesome ingredients, crafted into a dish everyone can enjoy. So, give it a try, and let me know what you think! I'm confident it will become a staple in your kitchen too.
