| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 255 | 16g | 10g | 12g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 16g | 0.65g |
There’s a homely warmth to this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese recipe that calls me back to my rural Nebraska roots—those chilly evenings where you crave a comforting, hearty dish that ignites nostalgia of simple farm-to-table life, and leaves you satiated with a belly full of wholesome goodness. 
An Affair with Cauliflower
Truthfully, any culinary adventure that involves cauliflower seems more delightful than the last. But this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese takes the crown. Borrowing flavors from a traditional mac and cheese but replacing the pasta with the pleasing crunch and farm-fresh charm of cauliflower, this recipe strikes that rare balance between healthful eating and indulging your comfort food craving.
Nutrition Meets Comfort
Cauliflower, the hero of this recipe, isn’t just delightfully crunchy—it’s a storehouse of vital nutrients. Bursting with dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and several other minerals and antioxidants, this humble vegetable is known to contribute significantly to overall health. Combined with the wholesomeness of whole milk, the structure of all-purpose flour, and the beguiling sharpness of cheddar and Parmesan, the Cauliflower Mac and Cheese quickly and quietly becomes a favorite soul food. The light dusting of breadcrumbs adds a rustic touch, and the spices and fresh herbs used—salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and parsley—infuse this dish with layers of flavor that leave you coming back for seconds. And maybe thirds.
A Versatile Affair
One of the things I inherently love about this recipe is its versatility. It can hold its own as the main star of your dinner menu, or cheekily slide in quietly as the ever-compatible side dish. In fact, it tends to pair really well with a classic roasted chicken, a juicy steak, or even with my Midwestern comfort dish of choice—a hearty Beef Stew. Close your eyes, take a bite, and be transported back to the heartland of America—the farming heart of Nebraska, echoing with church bells and children’s laughter.
So, whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next family gathering, this Cauliflower Mac and Cheese should most certainly be on your menu. After all, is there anything more fulfilling than a table laden with food that feeds your body as much as your soul?
What You’ll Need
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into small florets
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, place the cauliflower florets on a large baking sheet. While the oven is heating, melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Step Two
Once the butter is fully melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a smooth paste. Continue whisking for about 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Step Three
Gradually pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking. Continue stirring until the mixture starts to thicken. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step Four
Turn the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted into a smooth sauce.
Step Five
Pour the cheese sauce over the cauliflower florets, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Sprinkle the top with bread crumbs.
Step Six
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cauliflower is cooked through.
Step Seven
Remove the cauliflower from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. If you like, you can garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your homemade cauliflower mac and cheese!
