Best 5 Cauliflower Macaroni And Cheese Casserole Recipes

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**Creamy Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese Casserole: A Low-Carb Comfort Food Indulgence**

Indulge in a delightful culinary creation that harmoniously blends the classic flavors of macaroni and cheese with the health benefits of cauliflower. This innovative casserole offers a guilt-free indulgence, catering to those seeking a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. Made with a luscious blend of cauliflower, creamy cheese sauce, and tender macaroni, this dish promises a satisfying experience that tantalizes the taste buds while nourishing the body. Additionally, the recipe includes variations such as a gluten-free option, a dairy-free version, and a vegan alternative, ensuring inclusivity and catering to diverse dietary preferences. Embark on a culinary journey that combines comfort and well-being with this delectable cauliflower macaroni and cheese casserole.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE



Cauliflower

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter, plus more for the pan
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Hot sauce, as needed
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
One 4-ounce log fresh goat cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

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



Cauliflower

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

8 cups coarsely chopped cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 1/2 cups whole milk
6 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6 ounces mozzarella, shredded (about 1 1/4 cups)
6 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded (about 1 1/4 cup), plus more for sprinkling
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives (optional)
Special Equipment
1 (2-quart) or 4 (2-cup) freezer-to-oven-safe baking dishes

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 "MACARONI" AND CHEESE



Cauliflower

A healthier version of the classic comfort food... it won for "Best Mac and Cheese" at our annual cookout, kids love it, and you don't feel as guilty!

Provided by angelinamarie3

Categories     Cauliflower Side Dishes

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon minced garlic
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease a baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower and cook until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and set on paper towels to dry.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and cook until bubbling. Slowly add 1 cup Cheddar cheese; cook, stirring constantly, until sauce is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Place cauliflower in the prepared baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over top and stir until thoroughly coated. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar cheese over top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is fully melted, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 261.8 calories, Carbohydrate 6.3 g, Cholesterol 71.8 mg, Fat 21.8 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 11.7 g, SaturatedFat 13.7 g, Sodium 283.9 mg, Sugar 2.5 g

CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE CASSEROLE



Cauliflower

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

cooking spray
1 large head cauliflower, cut into small florets
1 cup heavy cream
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small pieces
1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
⅛ teaspoon ground coriander

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

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH CAULIFLOWER AND HAM



Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Cauliflower and Ham image

Make and share this Baked Macaroni and Cheese With Cauliflower and Ham recipe from Food.com.

Provided by evelynathens

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 45m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 cups cauliflower florets
1/4 lb elbow macaroni
1/4-2 cup minced onion
1 tablespoon butter, plus
2 teaspoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cream
1 pinch nutmeg
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
6 ounces coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 pinch nutmeg
3/4 cup diced ham, good quality
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Blanch cauliflower for 5 minutes.
  • Refresh under cold water; drain well.
  • Cook pasta until al dente.
  • Refresh under cold water; drain well.
  • Cook onion in 1 tblsp butter over moderately-low heat until softened; stir in flour and cook 2 minutes.
  • Whisk in milk, cream, Worcestershire Sauce, ketchup, mustard powder, cayenne pepper and nutmeg and bring just to a boil, stirring, and simmer for 3 minutes.
  • Preheat oven to 350F and place rack in center of oven.
  • Add 1 cup of Cheddar and all of the Parmesan, stirring, until completely melted.
  • Stir in macaroni, cauliflower and ham and season.
  • Mound into prepared baking dish and top with remaining Cheddar.
  • Toss breadcrumbs with remaining 2 tsps butter (melted) and sprinkle over cheese.
  • Bake for 25 minutes, or until topping is golden.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1220.6, Fat 71.4, SaturatedFat 42.9, Cholesterol 240.2, Sodium 2228.4, Carbohydrate 87, Fiber 5.8, Sugar 11.1, Protein 58.9

Tips:

  • To save time, use pre-riced cauliflower. If you're using a whole cauliflower, be sure to remove the leaves and core before grating it.
  • For a creamier casserole, use a combination of milk and heavy cream. You can also add a tablespoon or two of butter or olive oil to the sauce.
  • Season the casserole to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
  • Top the casserole with a crispy breadcrumb topping. You can use panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even cornflakes.
  • Bake the casserole at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Conclusion:

Cauliflower macaroni and cheese casserole is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic comfort food. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck. With a few simple tips, you can make a cauliflower macaroni and cheese casserole that everyone will love.

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