Hidden Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese

4.92 from 12 votes

Hidden Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese

Hidden Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a great way to sneak in a healthy vegetable and mask it with delicious creamy mac 'n' cheesy comfort food. This is a recipe for homemade mac and cheese with pureed cauliflower hidden inside. Your family may or may not notice, but it's always fun to try and sneak in extra veggies!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Krissy Allori

Equipment

stock pot

Ingredients

16 ounces macaroni
1 head cauliflower see notes
1/2 cup half and half divided
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
12 ounces cheese grated (roughly 3 cups, use sharp cheddar, pepper jack, gouda, fontina, gruyere, or a combination)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1 teaspoon salt
fresh ground pepper to taste

Instructions

In boiling salted water, cook 16 ounces macaroni. Cook just slightly al dente. Drain, do not rinse, and set aside.
Separate florets from 1 head cauliflower and steam until soft and tender. Puree in blender with 1/2 cup half and half.
Combine 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour in pot over medium heat and whisk to form a roux. Add 2 cups whole milk and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add 12 ounces cheese (shredded), cauliflower puree, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, and 1 teaspoon salt in large pot. Stir until cheese is completely melted. Add in drained pasta and stir until well combined. Serve with fresh ground pepper to taste.
If preferred, put in oven safe dish and broil on high 5 minutes to slightly brown the top, giving a toasted nutty flavor.

Video

Notes

You can also use cauliflower rice instead of a head of cauliflower. You will need about 4 cups, or 32 ounces, of cauliflower rice to equal one head of cauliflower

Nutrition