Best 5 Baked Cauliflower Macaroni Cheese Recipes

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Welcome to a culinary journey where cauliflower and macaroni intertwine in a symphony of cheesy delight! Baked Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese is not just a dish; it's an experience that tantalizes taste buds and warms hearts. Dive into a world of flavors as we present a collection of recipes that celebrate this iconic comfort food. From classic macaroni and cheese with a cauliflower twist to innovative variations featuring different cheeses, vegetables, and seasonings, our recipes cater to every palate. Join us on this delectable adventure as we discover the secrets behind the perfect baked cauliflower macaroni and cheese. Let's embark on a cheesy odyssey that will leave you craving for more!

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

CAULIFLOWER "MAC AND CHEESE" BAKE



Cauliflower

Replace macaroni with cauliflower in our twist on a classic Mac and Cheese. Our imposter pasta is sure to become a new family favourite.

Provided by Cracker Barrel

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     CRACKER BARREL Shreds

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

6 cups small cauliflower florets
3 tablespoons non-hydrogenated margarine, divided
1 onion, chopped
⅓ cup flour
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 ½ cups milk
1 ½ cups CRACKER BARREL Shredded Double Cheddar Cheese, divided
⅓ cup KRAFT 100% Parmesan Aged Grated Cheese, divided
½ cup panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Cook cauliflower in boiling water in large saucepan 4 minutes; drain well.
  • Melt 2 Tbsp. margarine in large saucepan on medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in flour and mustard; cook and stir 1 minute. Whisk in milk; cook 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add 1-1/4 cups Cheddar and 3 Tbsp. Parmesan; stir until Cheddar is melted. Add cauliflower; stir to evenly coat. Spoon into 2.5-L casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.
  • Microwave remaining margarine in medium microwaveable bowl on HIGH 30 sec. or until melted. Stir in bread crumbs and remaining Parmesan; sprinkle over cauliflower mixture.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through, topping with remaining Cheddar for the last 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320.7 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Cholesterol 22.6 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 16.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 460.5 mg, Sugar 8.8 g

BAKED CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE



Baked Cauliflower

Low Carb Cheesy Baked Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese is perfect when you're craving macaroni and cheese-without the pasta!

Provided by Gina

Categories     Dinner     Lunch     Side Dish     Snack

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 8

8 cups chopped cauliflower florets (1/2-inch pieces (26 oz))
1 tbsp Real California butter
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup minced onion
3 tbsp flour (use ap gluten-free flour for GF)
2 cups fat free Real California milk
7 ounces freshly grated Real California sharp cheddar (about 2 cups total)
1/2 teaspoons salt

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
  • Place 1 inch of water in a large pot with 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until tender crisp, 6 to 7 minutes. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
  • Heat butter and oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in flour. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring continually 3 - 4 minutes, to cook out the flour.
  • Add the milk and continue whisking, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil and becomes smooth and thick, about 2 minutes stirring; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
  • Once it becomes thick, remove from heat completely onto another burner if possible. Add the cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup at a time mixing well until cheese is all melted.
  • Stir in cooked cauliflower, then pour into a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden, about 15 to 20 minutes. Then broil 2 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 1/4 cups, Calories 238 kcal, Carbohydrate 16.5 g, Protein 14 g, Fat 14.5 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Cholesterol 42 mg, Sodium 381 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 7 g

CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE CASSEROLE



Cauliflower

Provided by Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt, as needed, plus 1/2 teaspoon
1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets
Vegetable oil spray
1 cup heavy cream
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar, plus 1/2 cup for topping the casserole
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season the water with salt.
  • Spray the baking dish with vegetable oil spray.
  • Cook the cauliflower in the boiling water until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and pat between several layers of paper towels to dry. Transfer the cauliflower to the baking dish and set aside.
  • Bring the cream to a simmer in a small saucepan, and whisk in the cream cheese and mustard until smooth. Stir in 1 cup of the cheese, salt, pepper and garlic and whisk just until the cheese melts, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat, pour over the cauliflower, and stir to combine. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and bake until browned and bubbly hot, about 15 minutes. Serve.

BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Buffalo Cauliflower Baked Mac and Cheese image

This incredible and substantial side dish has that traditional buffalo-wing flavor, but without any meat. Serve with extra hot sauce on the side for your friends and family who love heat.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h35m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 17

7 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the dish
Kosher salt
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup hot sauce, plus more for serving, preferably Frank's RedHot
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 pound sharp yellow Cheddar, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 1/2 cups)
8 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
2/3 cup sour cream
1 cup panko
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and butter a 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and fill a large bowl with ice water. Cook the cauliflower until just tender, about 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or spider to remove the cauliflower and immediately submerge it in the ice water to cool completely, then drain. Bring the salted water back to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the blanched cauliflower and garlic and cook 2 minutes, then add 1/2 cup hot sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute more.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and mustard until smooth. Whisk in the half-and-half, then add the remaining 1/4 cup hot sauce and stir until thick, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the Cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, then whisk in the sour cream until smooth.
  • Spread half of the macaroni in the prepared baking dish and pour over about half of the cheese sauce. Top with the cauliflower mixture and the remaining macaroni. Pour the remaining cheese sauce evenly on top.
  • Put the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir in the panko, blue cheese and parsley. Sprinkle over the macaroni and bake until bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes, then serve with additional hot sauce on the side.

BAKED CAULIFLOWER MACARONI & CHEESE



Baked Cauliflower Macaroni & Cheese image

Cauliflower florets are baked into this creamy macaroni and cheese with a golden brown panko topping.

Provided by Horizon Organic

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Horizon® Organic

Time 30m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 10

Cooking spray
1 ½ cups bite-size cauliflower florets
1 (6 ounce) box Horizon® ClassicMac™ Pasta Shells & White Cheddar Cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
½ cup reduced fat milk
2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
⅓ cup shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese
⅔ cup panko bread crumbs
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a ceramic or glass baking dish with cooking spray.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and boil for one minute. Remove with a slotted spoon.
  • Cook pasta shells in the same water, following instructions on the Horizon package. To the drained pasta, add 1/2 cup milk (instead of 1/4 cup as shown on the package), 2 tablespoons butter, and packet of cheese powder.
  • Stir in cream cheese and Cheddar cheese; mix well until combined and cheese is melted. Add cauliflower and mix. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
  • Spoon macaroni and cheese into prepared baking dish. Smooth out the top.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter. In a small bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, salt and pepper. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake until the breadcrumbs are golden brown, 15 to 17 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 337.1 calories, Carbohydrate 35.7 g, Cholesterol 51.6 mg, Fat 18.8 g, Fiber 1.2 g, Protein 10.5 g, SaturatedFat 11.6 g, Sodium 691.8 mg, Sugar 1.9 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right cauliflower: For the best results, use a head of cauliflower that is firm and white. Avoid heads that are yellowing or have brown spots, as these are signs of spoilage.
  • Cut the cauliflower into small florets: This will help them cook evenly. You can use a knife or a food processor to do this.
  • Steam or boil the cauliflower: This is the best way to cook the cauliflower so that it is tender but still has a bit of bite. You can also roast the cauliflower, but this will take longer.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor of the macaroni and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or experiment with other types of cheese, such as Gruyère, Parmesan, or Fontina.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni: The macaroni should be cooked al dente, which means it is still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked macaroni will become mushy and ruin the dish.
  • Make sure the sauce is thick and creamy: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the macaroni and cheese, but not so thick that it is difficult to stir. If the sauce is too thin, add more flour or cornstarch. If the sauce is too thick, add more milk or cream.
  • Season the macaroni and cheese to taste: Add salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add other ingredients, such as cooked bacon, chopped vegetables, or herbs.
  • Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is golden brown: This will give the dish a crispy top and help to meld the flavors together.

Conclusion:

Baked cauliflower macaroni and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover cauliflower, and it is also a healthier alternative to traditional macaroni and cheese. With a few simple tips, you can make the perfect baked cauliflower macaroni and cheese that everyone will love.

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