Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. However, it can also be high in calories and fat. If you're looking for a healthier way to enjoy this dish, try adding cauliflower. Cauliflower is a low-carb, low-calorie vegetable that is packed with nutrients. When it's cooked and mashed, it can be used to replace some of the cheese in mac and cheese, without sacrificing any of the flavor.
Let's cook with our recipes!
BAKED MAC AND CHEESE WITH HIDDEN CAULIFLOWER
"If you're having trouble getting your kids to eat veggies, try this recipe. They'll love how the cauliflower gets all mixed in with the noodles and cheese," says Valerie.
Provided by Valerie Bertinelli
Categories main-dish
Time 55m
Yield 8 to 10 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, grate the cauliflower on the large holes of a box grater or chop it into chunks and pulse to rice-size pieces in a food processor.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the grated cauliflower and 1/2 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, another 5 minutes. Add the flour; cook for 1 minute, stirring. Gradually add the milk while stirring constantly, then increase the heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Take the pot off the heat and stir in the cheddar, Colby Jack, French onion dip, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt until the cheese and dip melt. Add the cooked pasta and stir to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Top the pasta with the crushed potato chips. Bake until lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes (be careful, the potato chips can burn easily).
CAULIFLOWER "MAC AND CHEESE" BAKE
Replace macaroni with cauliflower in our twist on a classic Mac and Cheese. Our imposter pasta is sure to become a new family favourite.
Provided by Cracker Barrel
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips CRACKER BARREL Shreds
Time 45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Cook cauliflower in boiling water in large saucepan 4 minutes; drain well.
- Melt 2 Tbsp. margarine in large saucepan on medium heat. Add onions; cook and stir 3 minutes or until crisp-tender. Stir in flour and mustard; cook and stir 1 minute. Whisk in milk; cook 5 minutes or until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Add 1-1/4 cups Cheddar and 3 Tbsp. Parmesan; stir until Cheddar is melted. Add cauliflower; stir to evenly coat. Spoon into 2.5-L casserole dish sprayed with cooking spray.
- Microwave remaining margarine in medium microwaveable bowl on HIGH 30 sec. or until melted. Stir in bread crumbs and remaining Parmesan; sprinkle over cauliflower mixture.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through, topping with remaining Cheddar for the last 5 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 320.7 calories, Carbohydrate 25.4 g, Cholesterol 22.6 mg, Fat 18.7 g, Fiber 3.4 g, Protein 16.2 g, SaturatedFat 9.7 g, Sodium 460.5 mg, Sugar 8.8 g
HIDDEN CAULIFLOWER MAC 'N' CHEESE
Make this creamy, healthy Mac n' Cheese recipe. This take on your family's favorite is made in one pot using the Instant Pot.
Provided by Megan Gilmore
Categories Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Instant Pot Quick & Easy Pressure Cooker One-Pot Meal Kid-Friendly Small Plates
Yield Serves 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Pour the pasta into the Instant Pot and add the water, soy sauce, mustard, and salt. Stir well to combine, then add the cauliflower on top without stirring, making sure that the cauliflower layer completely covers the pasta for even cooking. Secure the lid and move the steam release valve to Sealing. Select Manual/ Pressure Cook to cook on high pressure for 3 minutes. While the pot is coming to pressure, shred the Cheddar (you should have about 1 cup, tightly packed).
- When the cooking cycle is complete, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then move the steam release valve to Venting to release any remaining pressure.
- When the floating valve drops, remove the lid and stir the pasta well, using a spatula to break up any pasta that has stuck together or stuck to the bottom of the pot. (A little sticking is to be expected, but it will loosen up when you stir.) Use the spatula to mash any intact cauliflower florets against the side of the pot to help them dissolve into the pasta sauce.
- Add the Cheddar and parmesan and stir well. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed and serve warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 days.
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE
This roasted cauliflower mac and cheese is a no-pasta version of a classic.
Provided by Fernella
Categories Side Dish Vegetables Cauliflower
Time 55m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Spray cauliflower florets with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper; place on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat half-and-half in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add Mexican, Cheddar, and cream cheeses slowly, stirring to combine, until melted.
- Butter an 8x10-inch baking dish.
- Mix roasted cauliflower with cheese sauce. Transfer to the prepared dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, about 15 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 624.5 calories, Carbohydrate 15.6 g, Cholesterol 156.1 mg, Fat 50.5 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 30.7 g, SaturatedFat 33.2 g, Sodium 845.6 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
HIDDEN VEGGIE MAC & CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: elbow macaroni, water, cauliflower florets, butternut squash, carrot, milk, cheddar cheese, cream cheese
Provided by Hannah Williams
Categories Dinner
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Add water, cauliflower, squash, and carrots in a pot over medium heat. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender.
- Add everything into a blender, including cooking water, and blend until smooth.
- Return blended veggies to the pot over medium heat, and add the milk, cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Add macaroni, reduce heat, mix thoroughly, and cover for 20 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 630 calories, Carbohydrate 69 grams, Fat 26 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 29 grams, Sugar 8 grams
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will make a big difference to the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, or a milder cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère for a more subtle flavor.
- Cook the cauliflower until it is very soft: This will help it to blend in with the cheese sauce and make the dish more creamy.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is best for mac and cheese, as it will hold its shape and not become mushy.
- Make sure the cheese sauce is thick and creamy: If the sauce is too thin, it will not coat the pasta properly and the dish will be watery.
- Add some bread crumbs to the top of the mac and cheese before baking: This will give the dish a crispy topping.
Conclusion:
Baked mac and cheese with hidden cauliflower is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a family meal or a potluck. It is a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables, and it is also a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese. So next time you are looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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