Best 10 Masterchef Cauliflower Mac N Cheese Recipes

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Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be prepared in many different ways, but one of the most popular is the MasterChef cauliflower mac n cheese. This recipe takes a classic dish and adds a healthy twist by using cauliflower in place of pasta. The result is a creamy, cheesy dish that is packed with vegetables and flavor. In this article, we will explore the different ingredients and techniques that go into making MasterChef cauliflower mac n cheese, so that you can make this delicious dish at home.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CAULIFLOWER MAC 'N' CHEESE



Cauliflower mac 'n' cheese image

I've written this recipe to serve 6, but it's easy to double up if you want to get into the batch-cooking vibe and get an extra meal or two in the freezer, or if you want to safely drop a dish on a neighbour's doorstep (just don't forget to back away once you've rung the bell. Social distancing, people!). You can get this prepped in the morning, ready to bake up for lunch or dinner. Happy days.

Provided by Jamie Oliver

Categories     Keep cooking and carry on     Cauliflower

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

15 g unsalted butter
1 leek
1 stick of celery
½ a bulb of fennel, optional
1 small head of cauliflower, (600g)
450 g dried pasta
1 tablespoon plain flour
500 ml semi-skimmed milk
1 teaspoon English mustard
100 g mixed cheese, such as Cheddar, Parmesan, feta, halloumi
100 g stale bread
2 cloves of garlic
a few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as thyme or oregano, optional
olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4.
  • Put a large shallow ovenproof casserole pan on a medium heat with the butter.
  • Trim, halve, wash and slice the leek and add to the pan. Stir regularly while you trim, slice and add the celery, then trim, chop and add the fennel, if using.
  • Break the cauliflower into florets, then cut into 2cm-thick slices and finely slice the stalk and any nice leaves. Add the stalk and leaves to the pan and cook for 10 minutes, or until soft but not coloured, stirring regularly.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling salted water for 8 minutes (5 if using macaroni). Reserving a mugful of starchy cooking water, drain the pasta and pour into a 25cm x 35cm baking dish (or divide between smaller ones), along with the cauliflower florets.
  • Stir the flour into the veg pan for 30 seconds, then gradually pour in the milk, stirring all the time, followed by 500ml of water. Simmer for 5 minutes, then stir in the mustard and season with sea salt and black pepper.
  • Let the sauce blip away until thickened while you coarsely grate the cheese.
  • Stir the cheese into the sauce, then blitz until smooth with a hand blender, or in batches in a food processor.
  • Pour over the pasta and cauliflower florets then, if you need to loosen it, add a little reserved pasta water - the sauce will thicken up as it bakes.
  • Blitz your stale bread into crumbs in the processor (or smash up in a clean tea towel). Peel and grate the garlic. Pick the herb leaves, if using, and mix it all together with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Scatter the crumbs over the pasta, grating over more cheese, if you've got it, then bake for 30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 477 calories, Fat 11.6 g fat, SaturatedFat 6 g saturated fat, Protein 21.8 g protein, Carbohydrate 75.6 g carbohydrate, Sugar 9.8 g sugar, Sodium 1.1 g salt, Fiber 5.8 g fibre

MASTERCHEF CAULIFLOWER "MAC 'N' CHEESE"



Masterchef Cauliflower

Okay, so this doesn't actually have any "mac" in it, but it's still a great dish. This is a slight adaptation of a recipe I found in the June 13, 2011 issue of People. The original was created by the MasterChef winner, Whitney Miller. The only change I made was to use regular milk instead of fat-free. After reading that dairies often add powdered milk to their skim to mask its naturally blue color (yes, Blue!) I just can't endorse the stuff.

Provided by Chilicat

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

8 cups cauliflower florets (1 head)
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F Toss florets in oil on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoons pepper. Roast until fork-tender and lightly browned, 25 minutes. Remove pan from oven. Reduce oven to 350°F.
  • Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute (I cooked mine for a few more minutes to a toasty brown). Gradually whisk in milk. Simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until thickened, 2 to 4 minutes. Whisk in cream and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Remove pan from heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoons pepper and all but 2 tablespoons of cheese. Stir over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. (I didn't even turn my flame back on, just stirred until the cheese melted from the residual heat.).
  • Place cauliflower in an 8x8-in. glass baking dish or 4 10-oz. ramekins. Pour cheese sauce on top. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons cheese. Bake until sauce is bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 597.8, Fat 52.3, SaturatedFat 29.2, Cholesterol 155.6, Sodium 676, Carbohydrate 20.4, Fiber 4.5, Sugar 4.3, Protein 16.1

CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE



Cauliflower

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     side-dish

Time 50m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon butter, plus more for the pan
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Hot sauce, as needed
1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
One 4-ounce log fresh goat cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with butter.
  • Cook the cauliflower in the boiling water until just crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat. Whisk in the dry mustard and add some hot sauce, salt and pepper. Just before the milk comes to a boil, turn off the heat and stir in the pepper jack and goat cheese. When melted and smooth, stir in the cauliflower. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle over the Parmesan.
  • Bake until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling, about 30 minutes. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

CAULIFLOWER MAC N CHEESE



Cauliflower Mac N Cheese image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 1h50m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

Salt
1 pound short cut pasta (recommended: macaroni, ziti or penne rigate or, whole wheat or whole grain pasta)
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large head cauliflower
1 cup chicken stock
3 tablespoons butter
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tablespoons flour
About 2 1/2 cups whole milk
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
3 to 4 sprigs fresh sage leaves, very thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 cup sharp white Cheddar cheese
1 cup Gruyere cheese
1 cup shredded Parmigiano cheese
1 small bundle watercress, washed and chopped

Steps:

  • Bring water to a boil for pasta. Salt the water and undercook the pasta by 2 minutes, about 5 to 6 minutes.
  • While the water comes to a boil, in a covered Dutch oven heat extra-virgin olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Cut the core away from the cauliflower and set the head into the pot and add 1 cup stock, cover and steam 12 to 15 minutes until tender. Remove and separate the cauliflower into florets. Discard water from pot.
  • Over medium heat in the same pot, melt the butter, then add onions and garlic. Saute for 3 to 4 minutes, until tender. Add in the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Whisk in the whole milk and season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and sage. When thickened, stir in the Dijon mustard and 2/3 of the combined cheeses.
  • Drain the pasta, add to the cauliflower, stir in the cheese sauce, transfer to baking dish, top with remaining cheese. Cool completely and cover for a make-ahead meal.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Bake until brown on a baking sheet to catch the bubble-over. The casserole will take 40 to 45 minutes to heat through.
  • Garnish bowls of cauli-mac-n-cheese with chopped spicy watercress.

CAULIFLOWER "MAC" AND CHEESE



Cauliflower

Somewhere between macaroni and cheese, British cauliflower cheese and a cauliflower gratin is this burbling dish of tangy, creamy cauliflower. Cauliflower florets cut into noodle-size pieces step in for macaroni in this pasta-less macaroni and cheese; they're roasted and draped in a mixture of melty Cheddar, heavy cream, garlic and cayenne. You could also add mustard, thyme or rosemary, or even caramelized onions, and swap out the Cheddar for Gruyère or another cheese. As the cauliflower cooks in the cream mixture, the cream thickens slightly and the cauliflower continues to brown. Serve it with a bright, crisp salad to offset the richness.

Provided by Ali Slagle

Categories     dinner, weekday, casseroles, vegetables, main course, side dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 large cauliflower (2 1/2 pounds), cut into small florets the size of macaroni
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar (about 6 ounces)
1 cup heavy cream
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1/4 teaspoon cayenne

Steps:

  • Heat the oven to 450 degrees. Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, spread in an even layer and roast until browned and cooked through but retaining some bite, about 15 minutes.
  • Transfer the cauliflower to an 8-inch or other 2-quart baking dish. (You could also bake this in individual ramekins; just mix the cauliflower with the other ingredients in a medium bowl before dividing.) Reserve 1/4 cup Cheddar. Add the remaining 1 1/4 cups Cheddar, heavy cream, garlic and cayenne to the cauliflower and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, then top with the reserved 1/4 cup Cheddar.
  • Roast until the cream has thickened, the cheese has melted, and some of the cauliflower is browned on top, 15 to 20 minutes. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

5-INGREDIENT CAULIFLOWER MAC 'N' CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



5-Ingredient Cauliflower Mac 'N' Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: cauliflower, salt, pepper, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh parsley

Provided by Mercedes Sandoval

Categories     Sides

Time 30m

Yield 2 servings

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 head cauliflower
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
¼ cup sour cream, or greek yogurt
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
fresh parsley, chopped, optional

Steps:

  • Cut cauliflower into small florets, about 4 cups (1.2 kg).
  • Add cauliflower florets into a 6-quart (6 L) Dutch oven of boiling water and boil for 5 minutes.
  • Drain the cauliflower in a colander, and return to the pot. Reduce heat to low.
  • Add in salt, pepper, and sour cream, and stir until thoroughly combined.
  • Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
  • Remove from heat. Top with parsley (optional).
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 253 calories, Carbohydrate 19 grams, Fat 15 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 14 grams, Sugar 7 grams

CAULIFLOWER MAC-N-CHEESE



Cauliflower Mac-N-Cheese image

Simple mac-n-cheese.

Provided by Zach Paquette

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
½ cup cauliflower florets
cooking spray
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese
½ (8 ounce) package cream cheese
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Place a steamer insert into a saucepan and fill with water to just below the bottom of the steamer. Bring water to a boil. Add cauliflower, cover, and steam until tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Place cauliflower in a blender or food processor; blend until smooth.
  • Coat a large saucepan with non-stick cooking spray; place over medium heat. Add oil and flour; cook, stirring constantly, until a thick paste forms, 1 to 2 minutes. Add milk; cook and stir until mixture thickens, 3 to 4 minutes.
  • Mix cauliflower, Cheddar cheese, cream cheese, salt, and pepper into milk mixture; stir until sauce is smooth. Fold macaroni into sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 470.7 calories, Carbohydrate 34.3 g, Cholesterol 77.7 mg, Fat 28.5 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 19.3 g, SaturatedFat 16.1 g, Sodium 655.5 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

BEST EVER CAULIFLOWER MAC & CHEESE



Best Ever Cauliflower Mac & Cheese image

We all know that the best topping for cauliflower is cheese, now you can have both your comfort food and your veggie all in one bowl. Inspired by Jamie Oliver's cauliflower mac & cheese, this one is a creamy, vegetarian dish with hidden veggies for your kids!

Provided by colleenfitzgerald_1

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 40m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups cauliflower, fresh or frozen
8 ounces macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
1 1/4 cups milk
3/4 cup cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
pepper
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Cook the cauliflower in simmering water until tender. Use a slotted spoon to remove.
  • Cut the cauliflower florets into bite size pieces.
  • Return water to the boil and cook the pasta in the same water. Drain.
  • Combine the melted butter, breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a bowl and set aside.
  • Melt the butter in medium sauce pan.
  • Add flour mixed with salt, nutmeg and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.
  • Slowly add the milk and cream, stirring continuously until blended.
  • Simmer for 2 minutes or until it thickens, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat and add the cheese, stirring until melted.
  • Combine the pasta, cauliflower and cheese sauce and transfer to a buttered casserole dish.
  • Top with the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, until the breadcrumbs form a crispy crust.

CAULIFLOWER "MAC 'N' CHEESE" CASSEROLE



Cauliflower

This gluten-free dish offers all the melty goodness of a mac 'n' cheese dinner, without the carb-heavy pasta. A dash of curry powder adds a gentle hint of spice that makes this a freezer dinner the whole family can get excited about. Make a double batch and freeze an extra for an emergency dinner that's actually delicious.

Provided by Anna Stockwell

Categories     Freezer Food     Macaroni and Cheese     Cauliflower     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Cheese     Milk/Cream     Dinner     Vegetarian     Cheese Week

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 cups coarsely chopped cauliflower (about 2 pounds)
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 1/2 cups whole milk
6 ounces cream cheese
1 1/2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
6 ounces mozzarella, shredded (about 1 1/4 cups)
6 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded (about 1 1/4 cup), plus more for sprinkling
1 tablespoon finely chopped chives (optional)
Special Equipment
1 (2-quart) or 4 (2-cup) freezer-to-oven-safe baking dishes

Steps:

  • Toss cauliflower and 1/4 tsp. salt in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, pierce plastic with a knife a few times to vent, and microwave on high 10 minutes. Carefully remove plastic and transfer cauliflower to a colander. Let cool to room temperature, then transfer to a large bowl.
  • Meanwhile, cook milk, cream cheese, curry powder, mustard, and remaining 1 tsp. salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until smooth, about 4 minutes. Let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Add cauliflower and toss to combine. Add mozzarella and 6 oz. cheddar and toss to combine-mixture should be cool enough so cheese doesn't melt. Transfer cauliflower mixture to freezer-to-oven-safe baking dish or dishes.
  • If baking immediately, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil and bake casserole until heated through and just beginning to bubble, about 45 minutes for large dish, or about 30 minutes for small dishes. Remove foil and sprinkle cheddar over. Heat broiler and broil until top is browned and bubbling, 2-5 minutes.
  • If freezing to bake later, cover dish with an airtight lid or double layer of plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months. To cook, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil and bake casserole 45 minutes for large dish, or 30 minutes for small dishes. Remove foil and stir well with a rubber spatula. Continue to bake, uncovered, until just bubbling and heated through, 10-15 minutes more. Sprinkle cheddar over. Heat broiler and broil until top is browned and bubbling, 2-5 minutes.
  • To cook individually portioned frozen casseroles in the microwave, partially cover and microwave on high 4 minutes. Uncover, stir, and microwave at 1-minute intervals until heated through, 4-5 minutes more.
  • Top with chives, if using, before serving.
  • Do Ahead
  • Casserole(s) can be assembled 1 day ahead; cover and chill, or freeze up to 3 months.

EASY LOW-CARB CAULIFLOWER MAC 'N CHEESE



Easy Low-Carb Cauliflower Mac 'n Cheese image

This low-carb keto cauliflower mac 'n cheese is a wonderful alternative to the traditional version, and a great vegetarian main dish as well.

Provided by Fioa

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Casserole Recipes     Vegetable

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon mixed herbs
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
1 pinch ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  • Arrange cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt, mixed herbs, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil; toss until well coated.
  • Roast in the preheated oven until crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Place in an 8-inch baking dish.
  • Combine Cheddar cheese, heavy cream, ghee, and nutmeg in a saucepan over medium heat; simmer until bubbly, about 5 minutes. Pour over cauliflower; mix well. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until golden, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 389.4 calories, Carbohydrate 9.5 g, Cholesterol 81.9 mg, Fat 35 g, Fiber 3.9 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 16.9 g, Sodium 869.2 mg, Sugar 3.7 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right cauliflower: For the best results, use a head of cauliflower that is fresh and firm, with tightly packed florets. Avoid any cauliflower that has brown spots or signs of wilting.
  • Cut the cauliflower into small pieces: This will help it cook evenly and quickly. You can use a knife or a food processor to chop the cauliflower into small florets.
  • Steam the cauliflower: Steaming is the best way to cook cauliflower for this recipe, as it helps to preserve its nutrients and flavor. You can steam the cauliflower in a steamer basket over boiling water, or you can use a microwave steamer.
  • Make a smooth sauce: To make a smooth and creamy sauce, use a high-powered blender or food processor. This will help to break down the cauliflower and create a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Add your favorite toppings: Once the mac and cheese is cooked, you can add your favorite toppings. Some popular options include shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, bacon, and chives.

Conclusion:

Cauliflower mac and cheese is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional mac and cheese. It is a great way to sneak more vegetables into your diet, and it is also a good option for people who are following a low-carb or gluten-free diet. With its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, cauliflower mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.

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