Creamy Cauliflower & Cheese Bake
Indulge in a sumptuous fusion of comfort and nutrition with our Creamy Cauliflower & Cheese Bake. This enticing dish takes the classic macaroni and cheese to new heights by incorporating nutrient-rich cauliflower, making it a perfect choice for both kids and adults. With hidden veggies and a delightful blend of creamy cheddar and parmesan, this recipe harmonizes cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch from its breadcrumb topping. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering, this one-dish meal will leave everyone asking for seconds!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cauliflower
2 cups (fresh or frozen, cut into florets)
Macaroni
8 ounces (uncooked)
Butter
4 tablespoons (divided; 1 tablespoon melted for sauce and 3 tablespoons for breadcrumb topping)
Flour
4 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Milk
1 1/4 cups (whole or low-fat)
Cream
3/4 cup (heavy or light)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon (freshly grated or ground)
Cheddar Cheese
2 cups (grated)
Breadcrumbs
1 cup (fresh or dried)
Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2
In a large pot, bring water to a simmer and gently cook the cauliflower until fork-tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cauliflower and set aside.
3
Cut the cooked cauliflower into bite-sized pieces for easy incorporation into the dish.
4
Return the water to a boil and add the macaroni, cooking according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
5
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of melted butter, breadcrumbs, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix until evenly coated and set aside.
6
In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, salt, nutmeg, and a pinch of pepper, ensuring they are well combined.
7
Gradually add the milk and cream to the flour mixture, stirring continuously until smooth. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 2 minutes, or until it thickens slightly, stirring constantly.
8
Remove the saucepan from heat and add the grated cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
9
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, bite-sized cauliflower pieces, and the luscious cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
10
Transfer this tantalizing mixture into a greased casserole dish, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the top.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
12
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delightful dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cauliflower & Cheese Bake?
It is a comfort food dish that combines classic macaroni and cheese with nutrient-rich cauliflower, topped with a crispy breadcrumb and parmesan layer.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How long should I cook the cauliflower?
Simmer the cauliflower in water for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until it is fork-tender.
Should I use fresh or frozen cauliflower?
You can use either fresh or frozen cauliflower florets for this recipe.
How much cauliflower is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups of cauliflower florets.
What type of pasta is used in this bake?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked macaroni.
How should the macaroni be prepared?
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente, then drain it.
How do I make the breadcrumb topping?
Combine 3 tablespoons of melted butter with 1 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What ingredients are used for the cheese sauce base?
The sauce base consists of 1 tablespoon of butter, 4 tablespoons of flour, salt, nutmeg, pepper, milk, and cream.
What kind of milk is recommended?
You can use either whole or low-fat milk for the sauce.
Can I use heavy or light cream?
Yes, the recipe allows for 3/4 cup of either heavy or light cream.
What spices are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, a pinch of pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg.
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
After adding the milk and cream, simmer the mixture for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
What type of cheese is used in the main sauce?
The recipe uses 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese.
When do I add the cheddar cheese to the sauce?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the cheese, then stir until it is melted and creamy.
How do I assemble the casserole?
Mix the cooked macaroni, bite-sized cauliflower, and cheese sauce together, then transfer to a greased casserole dish.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
Bake for 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Does the dish need to cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes to allow the flavors and sauce to set.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, it is tagged as a vegetarian dish.
Can I use dried breadcrumbs?
Yes, the recipe states you can use either fresh or dried breadcrumbs.
Why is nutmeg added to the recipe?
Nutmeg is added to the cheese sauce to provide a subtle depth of flavor that complements the dairy.
How much butter is needed in total?
A total of 4 tablespoons of butter is needed: 1 for the sauce and 3 for the topping.
What size should the cauliflower be cut into?
After boiling, the cauliflower should be cut into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Is this dish considered a complete meal?
Yes, it is described as a one-dish meal that combines vegetables, pasta, and protein from cheese.
What makes this dish kid-friendly?
It incorporates 'hidden' vegetables into a familiar and well-loved cheesy macaroni format.
What gives the dish its satisfying crunch?
The crunch comes from the buttered breadcrumb and parmesan topping that is baked until golden.
Can I use pre-grated parmesan?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.