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Cauliflower mac and cheese.
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Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

This 30-minute cauliflower "mac" and cheese recipe has all of the classic mac and cheese flavors, but without noodles. And trust me, you won't miss them!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Mac and Cheese
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cauliflower mac and cheese
Servings: 4
Author: Emily Richter

Ingredients

  • 8 cups chopped cauliflower ~2 heads of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese* ~2 cups

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425℉.
  • Place the chopped cauliflower on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon of the salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
  • Use your hands to massage all of the seasonings into the cauliflower until the cauliflower is coated.
    roasted cauliflower on a baking sheet.
  • Bake until the cauliflower is just starting to turn golden brown, about 15 minutes. Once baked, set aside.
  • While the cauliflower bakes, make the cheese sauce. Add the heavy cream to a large saucepan and heat over low/medium heat on the stovetop.
  • Cook for 2 minutes stirring consistently until simmering (not boiling). With the heat still on low/medium heat, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
    cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy cheesy.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and fold in the roasted cauliflower and remaining salt.
    cauliflower in a slow cooker on a white surface.
  • Mix well so the cauliflower is evenly coated in the cheese sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
    Cauliflower mac and cheese.

Video

[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="rZ9gnuct" upload-date="2022-11-03T00:00:00.000Z" name="Cauliflower Mac and Cheese" description="A bowl of this cauliflower mac and cheese is the perfect combination of mac and cheese and cheesy cauliflower. Enjoy as a side or a cheesy main!"]

Notes

  • Storing leftovers: Store leftover cauliflower mac in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy leftovers, add the cauliflower to a pot on the stovetop set to medium heat. Add a splash of milk and salt to taste, stirring until warm throughout.
  • Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar cheese is best. If you don't have a cheese grater, here's how to grate cheese without one!
  • Bake time: Only roast the cauliflower for 15 minutes. Overcooked cauliflower releases water which can cause watery cauliflower mac and cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 578kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 52g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g