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Healthy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Parmesan Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 69 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes
  • Total Time: 37 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Healthy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese offers a delicious, lower-carb twist on the classic comfort food, featuring tender cauliflower florets smothered in a creamy cheese sauce topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into bite-sized florets
  • Salt, for seasoning the boiling water
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 1/3 cups milk (whole, 2%, or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small garlic clove, minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided, for sauce and topping)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
  • Pinch of smoked paprika or black pepper (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 5-6 minutes, until just fork-tender. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Make the cheese sauce base: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Season and add cheese: Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Lower the heat and add cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan, stirring until smooth and melted. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Combine cauliflower and sauce: Gently fold the drained cauliflower into the cheese sauce until well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine panko, remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan, olive oil or melted butter, and a pinch of smoked paprika or pepper. Stir until evenly moistened. Sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
  7. Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp and the sauce is bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Cool and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • You can use olive oil instead of butter in both the sauce and topping for a dairy-free option.
  • Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
  • Adjust seasoning with additional salt and smoked paprika to taste.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/healthy-cauliflower-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-parmesan-recipe/