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If you're craving comfort food but want to keep it light, this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Casserole is your answer. It's creamy, cheesy, and has that satisfying bite without the heaviness of traditional pasta. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a side dish for a family dinner, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. Let's dive into this deliciously simple dish!
The name of the recipe: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 head cut into florets cauliflower
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the steamed cauliflower and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need
Read more: Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make cauliflower mac and cheese casserole
- Cauliflower: Provides a low-carb base, adding texture and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into a creamy, rich sauce that gives the casserole its classic cheesy flavor.
- Milk: Helps create a smooth, velvety cheese sauce, binding everything together.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth to the cheese sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
- Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce, ensuring a creamy consistency throughout the casserole.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Steamer basket: Essential for steaming cauliflower florets until tender, ensuring they blend well with the cheese sauce.
- Saucepan: Needed to melt butter, whisk flour, and create the cheese sauce for the casserole.
- Whisk: Helps in mixing the flour and butter smoothly, and in incorporating milk into the sauce without lumps.
- Baking dish: Used to bake the cauliflower and cheese mixture, giving it a golden, bubbly finish.
- Oven: Necessary for baking the casserole, ensuring it cooks evenly and achieves the right texture.
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
A healthier take on the classic mac and cheese, using cauliflower.
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Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 head Cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese shredded
- 1 cup Milk
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the steamed cauliflower and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Feel free to add a breadcrumb topping for extra crunch.
Read more: Velveeta Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 14gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 1mg
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Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower and cheese sauce as directed.
- Mix the cauliflower with the cheese sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish but don't bake.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing Instructions
- Follow the make-ahead steps.
- Instead of refrigerating, wrap the dish in a layer of plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Using cauliflower in place of pasta not only cuts down on carbs but also adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cheddar cheese beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well before using.
What type of cheese works best?
Cheddar is classic, but you can mix in some mozzarella or Gruyère.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble it and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I add other vegetables?
Sure, broccoli or peas make great additions.
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