A healthy and creamy alternative to traditional Mac & Cheese using hidden cauliflower!
Healthy Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
The word ‘healthy’ is used pretty loosely. It’s really just a matter of what it means to each of us individually.
For example, I consider this Cauliflower Mac & Cheese to be a healthy alternative to real Mac & Cheese. Someone could certainly argue that it isn’t healthy because it calls for pasta noodles and processed cheese, but I feel like it’s a lot healthier than what it could be and the hidden cauliflower is a great way to sneak veggies in!
I was skeptical about this recipe before trying it, but was pleasantly surprised with my first bite! It’s a great recipe with simple ingredients. My only caution is that it will be bland if you leave out the cayenne.
You might also like Healthy Apple Pie Enchilada’s, Easy Healthy Pancakes, or a Healthy Chocolate Mug Brownie!
What You’ll Need:
- 3 cups Cauliflower, Chopped
- 1 1/2 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 2 3/4 cups Milk
- 4 1/2 tbsp Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
- 1 tbsp Butter, Melted
How to Make Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8 pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Boil 3 cups chopped cauliflower and 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni together in a sauce pan for 7 minutes.
- In a separate sauce pan, cook 2 3/4 cups milk, 4 1/2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp cayenne until thickened.
- Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix in cooked cauliflower and macaroni and pour into prepared pan.
- Combine 1/2 cup bread crumbs and 1 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
Recipe Notes:
- Vegan – You can easily swap the dairy ingredients for non-dairy. If you would like to use vegan cheese, I recommend the Violife brand.
- Cayenne – You can substitute the cayenne with hot sauce. This Mac & Cheese will be bland if you leave out the cayenne or hot sauce.
More Vegetarian Meal Ideas:
- Vegetarian Meatballs + VIDEO
- Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos
- Vegetarian Fajitas
- Vegetarian Enchilada’s
- Vegetarian Chili
- Vegetarian Sloppy Joe’s
- Easy Vegetable Pizza Wrap
- Vegetarian Chicken Chimichanga’s
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese, a healthy and creamy alternative to traditional Mac & Cheese using hidden cauliflower!
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cauliflower, Chopped
- 1 1/2 cups Elbow Macaroni
- 2 3/4 cups Milk
- 4 1/2 tbsp Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
- 1 tbsp Butter, Melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8 x 8 pan with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Boil chopped cauliflower and macaroni together in a sauce pan for 7 minutes.
- In a separate sauce pan, cook almond milk, flour, salt, and cayenne until thickened.
- Stir in cheese.
- Mix in cooked cauliflower and macaroni and pour into prepared pan.
- Combine bread crumbs and melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.