Cauliflower Mac Cheese Light (Printable Version)
Creamy mac and cheese with cauliflower and hidden veggies for extra nutrition and comfort.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 8 ounces elbow macaroni
→ Vegetables
02 - 3 cups cauliflower florets
→ Dairy
03 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
05 - 1 cup whole milk
→ Spices and Seasonings
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
07 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets and cook for 8 minutes or until very tender. Drain well.
02 - In a blender, combine cooked cauliflower, whole milk, ground mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth.
03 - Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
04 - Return drained macaroni to the pot. Pour in blended cauliflower mixture and set over low heat. Stir in shredded cheddar and grated parmesan, mixing until cheese is fully melted and sauce coats the pasta.
05 - Divide macaroni with sauce among plates and serve immediately, garnishing with additional black pepper if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Quick and easy pantry friendly ingredients
- Lighter than traditional mac and cheese but still rich and creamy
- Sneaks in extra veggies perfect for picky eaters
- Kid approved my youngest asks for seconds
02 -
- Packed with hidden veggies
- Lower in fat and calories than classic recipes
- Wonderful for batch cooking and meal prep
03 -
- Always cook the cauliflower until it is fall apart tender for the silkiest sauce
- Blending while everything is still warm will help the cheese melt completely and give you a perfectly smooth mac every time