Creamy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Delight
A creamy and comforting twist on traditional mac and cheese, featuring tender cauliflower and a rich cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head broken into bite-sized florets
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the cauliflower florets for 5-7 minutes until tender.
- In the same pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted, then mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked macaroni, cauliflower, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
For added flavor, serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.