5.0 from 147 votes
Baked Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Tender elbow macaroni and cauliflower florets are tossed in a cheesy sauce, topped with more cheese and baked until bubbly.
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 697 kcal
Course:
Side Dish , Main Course
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup half and half or light cream, about 10-12% MF
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cook cauliflower and macaroni in salted water 5 to 7 minutes or until macaroni is tender. Drain very well.
- Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and seasonings and cook 1 minute.
- Whisk in cream and milk a little bit at a time whisking until smooth after each addition. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese and 3 cups of cheddar cheese until melted. Toss with cauliflower and macaroni and spread into a greased 9×13 pan.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until bubbly. Do not over cook.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Cook pasta and cauliflower just until al dente, they will cook further in the oven.
- Drain the cauliflower and macaroni noodles very well so your sauce doesn't get watery.
- Any leftover cooked vegetables (or meats) can be added to this dish.
- Breadcrumb Topping (optional)
- This can be added in place of cheese on top of the casserole.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or Panko)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, salt & pepper to taste
Nutrition Information
Calories
697
(35%)
Carbohydrates
47g
(16%)
Protein
32g
(64%)
Fat
42g
(65%)
Saturated Fat
27g
(135%)
Cholesterol
130mg
(43%)
Sodium
919mg
(38%)
Potassium
493mg
(14%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
1375IU
(28%)
Vitamin C
32mg
(36%)
Calcium
756mg
(76%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 697
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 697 | 35% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 42g | 65% |
| Saturated Fat | 27g | 135% |
| Cholesterol | 130mg | 43% |
| Sodium | 919mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 493mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1375IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 32mg | 36% |
| Calcium | 756mg | 76% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.