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Healthy Cauliflower Mac Cheese

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: healthy, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • Cauliflower
  • 1 large head cauliflower cut into bite-size florets, about 7 cups (800 g)
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 15 ml
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt 1.5 g
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper 0.5 g
  • ½ tsp garlic powder 1.5 g
Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup 2% milk 240 ml
  • 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese softened (113 g)
  • 1½ cups reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded (170 g)
  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese 25 g
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard 5 g
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika 1.5 g
  • ¼ tsp onion powder 0.7 g
  • ¼ tsp kosher salt 1.5 g
Topping
  • 2 tbsp almond flour 14 g
  • 1 tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese 6 g
  • 1 tsp olive oil 5 ml
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley 4 g

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly coat a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Toss the cauliflower with 1 tbsp olive oil, ¼ tsp salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Spread the cauliflower in one layer on a large baking sheet. Roast for 18–22 minutes, stirring halfway through, until lightly browned and just tender.
  4. Add the milk and cream cheese to a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat for 3–4 minutes, whisking until smooth.
  5. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually whisk in the cheddar. Stir in ¼ cup Parmesan, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, onion powder, and the remaining salt.
  6. Transfer the cauliflower to the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over it and fold gently to coat.
  7. Mix the almond flour, 1 tbsp Parmesan, and 1 tsp olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture over the cauliflower.
  8. Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F. Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, until bubbling around the edges.
  9. Broil for 1–2 minutes if desired. Rest for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.

Notes

Dry the cauliflower well before roasting to prevent a watery casserole.
Use freshly shredded cheddar for the smoothest sauce.
Keep the heat low after adding the cheese to prevent separation.
Thaw and dry frozen cauliflower before roasting.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat covered at 350°F for 10 minutes. Uncover and heat for another 3–5 minutes.
Microwave individual portions for 60 seconds, then continue in 20-second intervals until hot.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 275 kcal
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Protein: 16 g
Fat: 20 g