Seriously though, this is the best Mac ‘n Cheese. Yes it’s super simple and yes it has cauliflower in it. I was skeptical about putting cauliflower in Mac ‘n Cheese, but now I’m a believer! It’s the only way I make Mac ‘n Cheese now.
I was skeptical about putting cauliflower in Mac ‘n Cheese, but now I’m a believer!
When I need to pass on a recipe idea at a bridal shower or suggest a vegetarian (can easily be vegan) or a kid proof hide-the-vegetables meal, this is the one I share.
It doesn’t have to be gluten-free if that’s not your thing. I have to follow a gluten-free diet for health reasons, but the only difference is the type of pasta. For gluten-free I like to use a corn penne pasta. I usually reach for the Barilla brand, it hasn’t let me down yet.
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Gluten-Free Cauliflower Mac 'n Cheese Recipe
The only way to make Mac 'n Cheese. So easy and delicious! You'll never know there's cauliflower in it.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Gluten-free Penne or similar pasta
- 1 cup milk Reduced fat or skim milk work fine
- 1 pound Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 bag Cauliflower Rice or 1/2 head cauliflower cut into florets
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley Optional
- 1/4 cup Gluten-free Bread Crumbs I use 4c Gluten-free Seasoned or Panko
- Olive Oil Cooking Spray or your favorite cooking spray
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil a medium size casserole dish.
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Bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente.
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Add frozen cauliflower rice to microwave safe bowl and cook on high about 3 minutes. If using fresh cauliflower, steam until soft.
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Transfer cauliflower rice to pot you boiled pasta in (for less to cleanup!) and using an emersion blender, puree the rice. You can also use a traditional blender to puree the cauliflower if you don't have an emersion blender.
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Add the pasta, cauliflower puree, milk, shredded cheddar and parmesan cheese to pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste and optional parsley. Stir ingredients together until equally distributed throughout the pasta.
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Transfer mixture to greased casserole dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the pasta mixture, make sure you get the edges. Spray top with olive oil spray or similar.
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Place the baking dish in the oven for about 25 minutes until the top is crispy and the cauliflower-cheese sauce is bubbling.
