Baked Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Baked Cauliflower Mac & Cheese with Bread Crumbs puts a healthy spin on a childhood favorite without sacrificing flavor! Easy to make & feeds a crowd.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 351kcal
Ingredients
- 4 cups rotini pasta whole wheat, if possible
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp ghee or butter
- 2 Tbsp whole wheat flour
- 1 cup half and half
- 2 tbsp plain whipped cream cheese
- 2 tsp dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup 100% whole wheat bread crumbs
- Chopped green onions to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 9x13 pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Within the last 3 minutes of cooking time, add cauliflower florets; drain well.
- Add a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to a very large skillet and/or dutch oven (4-5 inches deep; large enough to hold all of the pasta + other ingredients) over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stir and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, transfer onion and garlic to a small bowl and set aside.
- Melt ghee/butter in the same large pan over medium high heat. Whisk in flour until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in half and half, and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in cream cheese, Dijon and garlic powder until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Stir in 1 cup cheese until melted, about 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add more half and half as needed; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Stir in cooked pasta and cauliflower; gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese.
- Transfer all ingredients to prepared 9x13 pan. Sprinkle whole wheat bread crumbs evenly over the top of the mac & cheese.
- Place into oven and bake until bubbly, about 12-15 minutes.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions, if desired. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 351kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 260mg | Potassium: 240mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 440IU | Vitamin C: 14.9mg | Calcium: 255mg | Iron: 1.3mg