Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
This "mac and cheese" is a creamy, cheesy dish that's made with cauliflower instead of pasta. It's a great way to get your veggies in, and it's also a delicious and satisfying meal. The cauliflower is roasted until tender and browned, then it's pureed in a food processor until it's the consistency of rice. The pureed cauliflower is then added to a saucepan with melted butter, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. The mixture is stirred until the cheese is melted and smooth, then it's seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, but it's not exactly the healthiest dish. This recipe for cauliflower mac and cheese is a healthier alternative that's just as delicious and satisfying. The cauliflower provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and the cheese provides protein and calcium. This dish is also a good way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. They'll never know that they're eating cauliflower!
Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Cheesy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • Head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • Unsalted butter
  • Heavy cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  2. Toss cauliflower florets with 1 tablespoon butter in a large bowl.
  3. Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and browned.
  4. Transfer cauliflower to a food processor and process until finely chopped.
  5. In a large saucepan, melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
  6. Whisk in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  7. Add cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Why It Works
  • Roasting the cauliflower before pureeing it gives it a slightly caramelized flavor.
  • Using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese gives the dish a rich and flavorful cheese sauce.
  • Adding salt and pepper to taste helps to balance out the flavors of the dish.
  • Garnishing the dish with fresh chives adds a pop of color and freshness.