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    TaraTeaspoon » Course » Main Dish » Pasta

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    Published: by

    Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese

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    Pinterest image of Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese with text

    A healthier version of mac and cheese that replaces half the pasta with roasted cauliflower. Delicious and easy for a weeknight.


    Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese

    If you're like me, this is your mantra today:

    I have been eating the best holiday food ever! But now it's time to get real. However, I don't want to.

    I HATE IT WHEN


    My solution to the stubbornness I'm so proud of, is a slightly healthier version of Mac 'n' Cheese! I've cut the pasta almost in half and replaced it with roasted cauliflower. Even better, this is a great way to disguise veggies for the kids.

    I used cheddar mixed with herbed Boursin cheese to make it extra creamy. If you can't find that specific Boursin, other flavors with do. As well as replacing it with cream cheese (just add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning if you are using plain cream cheese!)

    Let the dieting begin! Well, kind of. Not really yet.

    Recipe image of Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese

    Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese

    Tara Teaspoon
    Boursin with herbs adds flavor, but you can swap it for fat-free cream cheese if you like.
    4.67 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 25 mins
    Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
    Calories 465 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups 12 oz cauliflower florets
    • Cooking spray
    • ½ lb cavatappi or other curly pasta
    • 2 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups 1% milk
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
    • Pinch of cayenne
    • 2½ cups 7 oz grated cheddar
    • ½ cup 2 oz grated Parmesan
    • ½ cup 4 oz Boursin Light Garlic and Herbs Spreadable cheese
    • ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs

    Instructions
     

    • Heat oven to 425°F. Spread cauliflower on a rimmed baking sheet and coat lightly with cooking spray. Roast until florets begin to brown, about 10 min. Remove cauliflower and reduce oven to 375°F.
    • Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and set aside. In a large saucepan over medium heat whisk olive oil and flour for 1 min. Add milk, whisking constantly. Stir in mustard, salt and cayenne. Cook, stirring occasionally until mixture has thickened, about 8 min. Remove sauce from heat. Add 2 cups cheddar, Parmesan and Boursin and stir until melted. Add pasta and cauliflower; stir to coat.
    • Pour pasta into a greased 2-qt baking dish. Sprinkle on ½ cup cheddar, then bread crumbs. Bake until bread crumbs are golden brown and cheese is bubbling, about 30 min.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 465kcal
    Want to watch videos to show you how to cook?Check out our Youtube and try this recipe and more.

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    About Tara Teaspoon

    I’ve been in the food publishing business for over 20 years, creating recipes & food-styling for magazines, books, television & advertising. Order my new cookbook & stick around for amazing things to eat.

    Find out more!

    Recipe by Tara Bench. Photographer: Lisa Hubbard. Food Stylist: Susan Vajaranant. Prop Stylist: Penelope Bouklas. Originally published in LHJ 11/12

    « Spicy Grapefruit Guacamole
    Double Chocolate Muffin »

    Filed Under: Gluten-Free, Pasta, Side Dishes Tagged With: cauliflower, cheese, dinner, easy, healthy, mac and cheese, macaroni

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary says

      July 19, 2018 at 12:57 pm

      What a great twist!

      Reply
    2. Brit says

      May 12, 2020 at 12:34 am

      Oh this is what I need in my life! Healthy without sacrificing flavor!

      Reply
    3. angela says

      December 07, 2021 at 5:23 pm

      i remember this recipe on ladies home journal

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        December 13, 2021 at 11:10 am

        Yes! It was one of my favorite recipes that I developed while I was at Ladies Home Journal. Thanks for reaching out! Tara

        Reply

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