Welcome to the world of cheesy, comforting goodness with a healthy twist! Cauliflower mac and cheese casserole is not just a regular mac and cheese. It's an innovative dish that combines the classic comfort of macaroni and cheese with the health benefits of cauliflower. This recipe aims to provide a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional mac and cheese, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a healthier yet satisfying meal.
Indulge in a creamy, flavorful sauce made from a blend of cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, and a hint of Dijon mustard. The cauliflower, finely chopped and cooked to perfection, adds a subtle sweetness and a boost of nutrients to the dish. The casserole is topped with golden brown bread crumbs for that perfect crispy texture.
This recipe also includes variations to suit different dietary preferences and tastes. For a vegan option, you can substitute almond milk for regular milk and use vegan-friendly cheese alternatives. For those who love a touch of smokiness, bacon bits can be added to the casserole for an extra savory flavor.
Whether you're a fan of classic mac and cheese or looking for a healthier alternative, this cauliflower mac and cheese casserole has something for everyone. It's a perfect dish to serve as a main course or a side dish for gatherings and special occasions. So, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious and nutritious twist on a timeless comfort food.
CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with butter.
- Cook the cauliflower in the boiling water until just crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
- In a large saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat. Whisk in the dry mustard and add some hot sauce, salt and pepper. Just before the milk comes to a boil, turn off the heat and stir in the pepper jack and goat cheese. When melted and smooth, stir in the cauliflower. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle over the Parmesan.
- Bake until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
CAULIFLOWER "MAC 'N' CHEESE" CASSEROLE
This gluten-free dish offers all the melty goodness of a mac 'n' cheese dinner, without the carb-heavy pasta. A dash of curry powder adds a gentle hint of spice that makes this a freezer dinner the whole family can get excited about. Make a double batch and freeze an extra for an emergency dinner that's actually delicious.
Provided by Anna Stockwell
Categories Freezer Food Macaroni and Cheese Cauliflower Wheat/Gluten-Free Cheese Milk/Cream Dinner Vegetarian Cheese Week
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Toss cauliflower and 1/4 tsp. salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pierce plastic with a knife a few times to vent, and microwave on high 10 minutes. Carefully remove plastic and transfer cauliflower to a colander. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a large bowl.
- Meanwhile, cook milk, cream cheese, curry powder, mustard, and remaining 1 tsp. salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth, about 4 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Add cauliflower and toss to combine. Add mozzarella and 6 oz. cheddar and toss to combine-mixture should be cool enough so cheese doesn't melt. Transfer cauliflower mixture to freezer-to-oven-safe baking dish or dishes.
- If baking immediately, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil and bake casserole until heated through and just beginning to bubble, about 45 minutes for large dish, or about 30 minutes for small dishes. Remove foil and sprinkle cheddar over. Heat broiler and broil until top is browned and bubbling, 2-5 minutes.
- If freezing to bake later, cover dish with an airtight lid or double layer of plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. To cook, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil and bake casserole 45 minutes for large dish, or 30 minutes for small dishes. Remove foil and stir well with a rubber spatula. Continue to bake, uncovered, until just bubbling and heated through, 10-15 minutes more. Sprinkle cheddar over. Heat broiler and broil until top is browned and bubbling, 2-5 minutes.
- To cook individually portioned frozen casseroles in the microwave, partially cover and microwave on high 4 minutes. Uncover, stir, and microwave at 1-minute intervals until heated through, 4-5 minutes more.
- Top with chives, if using, before serving.
- Do Ahead
- Casserole(s) can be assembled 1 day ahead; cover and chill, or freeze up to 3 months.
CAULIFLOWER "MAC AND CHEESE" BAKE
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
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
CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE CASSEROLE
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.
CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE CASSEROLE
Cauliflower "mac" and cheese is a great alternative to a pasta side dish. It's rich and creamy and gets the kids to love cauliflower!
Provided by Leigh K
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Cauliflower
Time 50m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spray a baking dish lightly with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Bring cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in cream cheese and mustard until smooth. Add 1 cup Cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and coriander. Whisk just until the cheese melts, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and pour over cauliflower, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar.
- Bake in the preheated oven until light brown and bubbly, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 345.6 calories, Carbohydrate 9.6 g, Cholesterol 100.9 mg, Fat 29.5 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 12.9 g, SaturatedFat 18.5 g, Sodium 490.5 mg, Sugar 3.6 g
BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
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
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.
CHEESY HAM AND CAULIFLOWER CASSEROLE (MOCK MAC AND CHEESE)
"Macaroni and cheese with ham, made using cauliflower in place of the pasta. Serve with fresh veggies."
Provided by Joey Joan
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower, cover, and steam until tender yet firm to the bite, 2 to 6 minutes.
- While cauliflower steams, heat milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Mix softened butter and flour together until it forms a ball. Melt flour ball into heated milk; lower heat and stir constantly until thickened. Add Cheddar cheese, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; heat until cheese is completely melted.
- Combine cauliflower, ham, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Gently mix together. Pour into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Top with french-fried onions and bake for 10 minutes more. Let sit for 5 minutes or more before serving.
Tips:
- Choose the right cauliflower: Look for cauliflower heads that are compact and white, with no signs of bruising or wilting.
- Steam the cauliflower properly: Steaming the cauliflower until it is tender-crisp will help it retain its shape and texture in the casserole.
- Make a flavorful cheese sauce: Use a combination of cheeses that melt well together, such as cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan. Add some spices and herbs to taste.
- Don't overcook the casserole: The cauliflower should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooking will make it mushy.
- Serve the casserole immediately: Cauliflower mac and cheese casserole is best served hot and fresh out of the oven. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Cauliflower mac and cheese casserole is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional mac and cheese. It is made with steamed cauliflower instead of pasta, and it is topped with a creamy cheese sauce. This casserole is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables, and it is also a popular dish for potlucks and parties. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, cauliflower mac and cheese casserole is a dish that everyone can enjoy.
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