Go Back
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 lbs), cut into bite-size florets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz short pasta
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp melted butter

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss cauliflower with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast 20 to 25 minutes until edges are deeply golden.
  2. Cook pasta in generously salted boiling water just until shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook, stirring, until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Fold roasted cauliflower and pasta into the sauce. Transfer to a greased 2-quart baking dish. Toss panko with melted butter and sprinkle evenly on top.
  5. Reduce oven to 375°F. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until bubbly and deep golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

The 5-minute rest after baking lets the sauce set so it isn't runny when you scoop it. For a deeper flavor, swap half the cheddar for smoked gouda.