When you’re craving a cheesy dish of mac and cheese but want to sneak in some veggies, this recipe is for you. Cook the macaroni in a pot with cauliflower. Add half and half or whole milk, seasonings, and the cheeses. The water adds to the yummy taste, and you don’t need a food processor or the oven to have a tasty dish on the table in 30 minutes. It works well as a side dish or a main dish. You are just replacing half the pasta with a nutritious vegetable. Broccoli also works well in this dish if you don’t like cauliflower. Need a vegetarian dish with more veggies? Add green peas to the mix with the cauliflower. Garnish with optional bread crumbs, green onions, or shredded cheese. I love adding a few chicken bacon pieces for taste and crunch. (Al Fresco has 60% less fat and 40% less sodium)
The best tip I ever got in cooking mac and cheese is to grate your sharp cheddar cheese yourself. Did you know that pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking ingredients and doesn’t melt as well as fresh cheese? That’s fine for cheese garnishment but not for a cheese sauce. I love the classic sharp cheddar, but it’s also fun to use a combination of cheeses for added flavor. Gouda or fontina can add extra depth of flavor, but I’m adding a touch of tangy flavor with Monterry Jack. For more heat, try Pepper Jack!
One Pot Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Use organic when available. Serves 8
One Pot Cauliflower Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni or short-cut pasta
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium head of cauliflower chopped
- 3/4 cup half and half or whole milk
- 3 oz cream cheese cubed
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Monterrey Jack shredded or cheese of choice
- 2 tbsp margarine or butter
- salt and pepper to taste
- optional garnish of bread crumbs, sliced green onions, herbs, shredded cheese or bacon pieces
Instructions
- Place 4 cups water in large pot & bring to a boil
- Add macaroni and cauliflower
- Cook for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally
- Add half-and-half or milk, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, & garlic powder to pasta pot
- Cook until pasta is al dente (slightly firm) & cream cheese is melted, about 4-5 minutes.
- Do not overcook cauliflower
- Stir in grated cheeses & butter until melted and creamy
- Season with salt, pepper
- If sauce is too thick, add splash of milk
- Optional garnish with bread crumbs, sliced green onions, shreded cheese or bacon pieces
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Looks soooooooo good with the crispy bacon bits atop!
This recipe sounds delicious. The crispy bacon pieces are a perfect addition.
#MMBC
Ohh! I might have to make this as my girls are huge fans of mac and cheese, they can always do with some extra veggies. This looks and sounds delicious.
…this sounds great!
Delicious! I like to add mushrooms and sometimes broccoli to my mac and cheese.
Thislooks interesting, Carol. And a good way to add a veg.
Looks like a great recipe, thank you Carol!
Oh yum! Nice cozy meal.
This sounds yummy and oh so easy!
Delicious and one of my favourite meals. I sometimes add broccoli to mine too. 🙂