Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Description
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is made by boiling cauliflower florets until just tender, then tossing them in a well-seasoned vegan cheese sauce made with garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and sea salt for depth of flavor. The mixture is placed in a baking dish, topped with panko breadcrumbs, and broiled for a few minutes until the crumbs turn lightly brown and crisp. The final touch can include sprinkling Parmesan or vegan Parmesan cheese for added richness.
The cauliflower provides a softer, vegetable-based base while the cheese sauce, rich in spices, delivers a creamy, savory profile. The broiled panko topping gives a contrasting texture of crunch without overwhelming the dish. It’s an option for those seeking a dairy-free or lower-carb alternative to traditional mac and cheese.
This dish can be served as a side or a main course and pairs well with crisp vegetables or salads to balance the richness. The recipe relies on a prepared vegan cheese sauce but can be adapted with other cheese bases. The short broiling time ensures the cauliflower remains tender while the topping crisps.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe vegan cheese sauce
- 1 garlic additional; clove
- ½ teaspoon sea salt additional
- smoked paprika heaping 1/4 teaspoon
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 1 cauliflower just over 2 pounds broken into ½-inch florets, large
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- Parmesan Cheese for serving, optional, or Vegan Parmesan
Instructions
- Make the cheese sauce according to this recipe, blending in the additional garlic clove, the additional ½ teaspoon salt, the smoked paprika, and cayenne.
- Preheat the oven broiler.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and boil the cauliflower florets for 5 minutes. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Transfer to an 8x8-inch baking dish and top with the panko. Broil for 2 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and serve with Parmesan or vegan Parmesan, if desired.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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