Baked Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese
User Reviews
4.7
Baked Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese
Description
This recipe features eight cups of chopped cauliflower cooked until tender crisp, then mixed with a cheddar cheese sauce made from butter, olive oil, onions, flour, and milk. The sauce is thickened on the stovetop, seasoned with salt and pepper, then combined with the cauliflower. The mixture is transferred to a baking dish and baked at 400°F until bubbly and golden, then briefly broiled to develop a lightly browned top.
The texture is creamy with tender cauliflower chunks replacing pasta, delivering sharp cheese flavor balanced by the mild vegetable. The oven baking melds flavors and creates a lightly crisp surface contrast. This dish can serve as a side or a lighter main for those limiting carbs or seeking more vegetables.
For those preferring a quicker option, it can be served immediately after combining the sauce and cauliflower without baking, as noted in the recipe tips.
Ingredients
- 8 cups cauliflower 1/2-inch pieces (26 oz, chopped florets
- 1 tbsp butter Real California
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup onion minced
- 3 tbsp flour (use ap gluten-free flour for GF)
- 2 cups milk fat free, Real California
- 7 ounces cheddar cheese about 2 cups total, freshly grated, Real California sharp
- 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
- Place 1 inch of water in a large pot with 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil. Add the cauliflower and cook until tender crisp, 6 to 7 minutes. Drain and set aside in a large bowl.
- Heat butter and oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onions and cook about 2 minutes.
- Stir in flour. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring continually 3 - 4 minutes, to cook out the flour.
- Add the milk and continue whisking, raising heat to medium-high until it comes to a boil and becomes smooth and thick, about 2 minutes stirring; season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper.
- Once it becomes thick, remove from heat completely onto another burner if possible. Add the cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup at a time mixing well until cheese is all melted.
- Stir in cooked cauliflower, then pour into a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden, about 15 to 20 minutes. Then broil 2 minutes, or until the top is slightly browned.
Notes
- If desired, skip the baking step and serve the creamy cauliflower and cheese sauce mixture immediately for a quicker dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 238 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 11/4 cups | |
| Calories | 238kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 16.5g | 6% |
| Protein | 14g | 28% |
| Fat | 14.5g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5g | 43% |
| Cholesterol | 42mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 381mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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