I’ve never met a mac and cheese I didn’t like. Actually, it’s probably one of my favorite “not so healthy” foods. And I could probably eat it at least a few times a week if it were socially acceptable to do so! It’s been awhile since I made mac and cheese {since it is so unhealthy} but since making THIS Zoodle Mac and Cheese recipe a few months ago, coming up with another healthy alternative has been on my mind…
Full disclosure: I still used the basic cheese sauce I always use when making macaroni and cheese, so it’s not totally guilt free. But, by replacing the macaroni pasta with cauliflower, it makes it a little more healthier and incorporates a vegetable in the process. I will say that this recipe really does taste like you are eating the real deal mac and cheese! It’s definitely a good way to eat comfort food without feeling so guilty!
This recipe would be most similar to stove top macaroni and cheese, but you could also place the cauliflower and cheese sauce in a baking dish and top it with breadcrumbs for a baked mac and cheese dinner, too!
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups milk
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the cauliflower florets, reduce the temperature to medium and cook for about 5 minutes, or just until tender; drain well. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the butter and flour and whisk together until a paste forms. Cook for a few minutes, whisking constantly. Add the milk and whisk until smooth. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cheddar cheese. Once completely combined, season with salt and pepper and add in the cauliflower. Stir to combine and serve warm. Top each dish with shredded cheddar cheese, if desired.
Thanks for stopping by and happy cooking!
….
This post is linked up with: Tasty Tuesdays | Tickle My Tastebuds Tuesday | Two Cup Tuesday | Weekend Potluck | SITS Girls | Diary of a Real Housewife
I would totally eat it several times a week if I could too! This sounds like a great alternative 🙂
Looks delicious! I have tried Cali tots and Cali mashed potatoes but man does these ever look fantastic!!
I never thought of using cauliflower! It's a great way to get the boys to eat their veggies, thanks!
Xoxo,
Whitney & Blaire
Peaches In A Pod
I've got to try this!!!
This is such a great alternative, girlie! I LOVE mac & cheese, too, but don't eat it as much as I'd love to for some the same reasons you, haha. I'll have to keep this recipe in mind, it's also a great way to get kids eating their veggies and cut down on gluten, too! Thanks so much for sharing, beautiful, and I hope you're having the best start to your week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Omg this looks amazing!! xxo
Jamie
http://www.jamieeverafter.com
Ooooh, need to try this because I LOVE mac 'n cheese but avoid it because it's soooo unhealthy!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
I love how you incorporated another veggie to make a healthier mac and cheese option! I love anything with cheese in the name, so I definitely need to give this one a try!
Holy yum! This looks delicious! xx Caitlin Dash of Darling
I am all for sneaking in the veggies, even on myself. Thanks for sharing on Creative K Kids #TastyTuesdays
Omg this looks amazing, Im drooling! I love that this is a healthy alternative!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
This sounds so good. Mac n cheese is definitely a weakness of mine and being able to make it a little bit healthier, while not totally losing the taste is a huge win!
I do want to try this Rachel, I've made cauliflower au gratin and my husband thought it was potatoes! Thanks
Jenna