Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

I think it is safe to say mac & cheese is a crowd favourite, right? Creamy delicious cheese smothered over delicious pasta – what is not to like?! While it can get a bad rap for being ‘unhealthy’ if we just add in veggies we are all good then, right?

So that is what I did here, add in the cauliflower to bring on in the veggies.

Pro Tip: use frozen cauliflower to cut down on prep time.

While I went with Kerrygold cheddar cheese (one of my fave brands as they are from grass-fed cows) you can always swap for a vegan brand. Shredding from the block of cheese I feel makes it extra creamy and it melts really well, too.

Now for the pasta….

Eat Banza sent me a very nice care package of their pasta and pizzas to try out. Whoo! Hoo! I must say their pasta made from chickpeas tasted the same as regular pasta to me. No complaints from the fam either. They have a lot of other products made from chickpeas if you are looking for more gluten-free options. Plus they have more protein & fiber and fewer net carbs than regular pasta!

Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

Cherise.mazur

Tasty cauliflower mac & cheese with creamy cheddar. Added in bonus veggies from the roasted cauliflower. Finished with a crunchy topping that the while family will enjoy!

Print Recipe

Ingredients

1 bag frozen cauliflower (or fresh cauliflower chopped)
1 tbsp olive oil
8 oz box dry pasta (GF If needed)
2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour
1 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or other unsweetened milk)
2 cups shredded cheddar (divided) (Vegan if needed)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3/4 cup breadcrumbs (GF if needed)
salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375f. Grease a baking pan well . Add cauliflower, il, salt & pepper and mix well. Bake for 25 minus mixing halfway through.
While cauliflower is cooking boil your noodles.
While the noodles are boiling make the sauce. In a large pot or pan add butter to the pan over medium heat to melt. Whisk in flour and milk slowly getting rid of all lumps. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer stirring often. Once the sauce has thickened a little add in the spices.
Add In 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese to the pot and combine well. Drain & add the noodles to the cheese sauce along with the cauliflower. – mix well.
Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with oil. Pour the mac & cheese mixture into the pan evenly. Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle the bred crumbs over the top.
Bake for 25 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.