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mac and cheese with cauliflower
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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 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 16 oz 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 macaroni. Cook just slightly al dente. Drain, do not rinse, and set aside.
  • Separate cauliflower florets from stalk and steam until soft and tender. Puree in blender with 1/2 cup half and half.
    Hidden Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese | Self Proclaimed Foodie
  • Combine butter and flour in pot over medium heat and whisk to form a roux. Add milk and bring to a boil while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add shredded cheese, cauliflower puree, garlic powder, mustard powder, and salt in large pot. Stir until cheese is completely melted. Add in drained pasta and stir until well combined. Serve with fresh ground pepper.
  • 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

Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 63mg | Sodium: 619mg | Potassium: 312mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 665IU | Vitamin C: 6.6mg | Calcium: 406mg | Iron: 1.1mg