loveandlemons4.8
Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Cauliflower mac & cheese is a healthier, lighter version of the classic comfort food. Vegan and gluten-free options.
👥 4 Servings⏱️ Prep & Cook: 50 min⏳ Prep: 30 min🔥 Cook: 20 min👤 Jeanine Donofrio📖 loveandlemons
🥘 Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you prepare them:
🍳 Cookware
- ●blender
- ●oven
- ●pot
- ●baking dish
📝 Preparation Steps
1
If you're making the vegan option, start by making your cashew cream. Place all ingredients in a blender, and blend until smooth. Scoop the cream out of the blender and set aside.
2
Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
3
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 4 cups of cauliflower florets and cook until tender but not mushy, about ⏱️ 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to drain and scoop the cauliflower into a blender. When the cauliflower is out, bring your water back up to a boil and add the pasta.
4
Meanwhile, make the sauce. To your blender, add the Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and puree along with the 4 cups cauliflower florets. Add about ¾ cups of cashew cream (or cheddar cheese) and the sherry vinegar, and blend again. Add starchy pasta water, as needed, to thin the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings. For a richer sauce, add more cashew cream or cheese.
Dijon mustard1 tablespoonsherry vinegar1 tablespoonPasta water, as needed to thin
5
When your pasta is al dente, set aside a cup or so of pasta water, then fully drain your pasta and the water out of the large pot. Return the cooked pasta to the pot and stir in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water, as needed, to create a creamy sauce.
Pasta water, as needed to thin
6
Pour your pasta into a large baking dish. Place the remainder of the cauliflower florets on top. Top with a sprinkling of panko, Parmesan cheese (if using) and a drizzle of olive oil. (Optional: make it extra cheesy by adding a layer of sharp cheddar underneath the panko and Parmesan).
7
Bake until the top is golden and crispy - about ⏱️ 12-20 minutes depending on the size of your dish.
8
Remove from oven and top with chives and red pepper flakes.
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