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Homemade Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.1 from 21 reviews

  • Author: Ezabella
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

This Homemade Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a comforting, creamy, and healthier twist on the classic mac and cheese, using tender boiled cauliflower florets coated in a rich vegan cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and lightly browned under the broiler for a delightful finish. Perfect for a gluten-free, dairy-free, and flavorful meal option for 4 servings.

Ingredients

Cheese Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 recipe Vegan Cheese Sauce
  • 1 garlic clove, additional
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt, additional
  • Heaping ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

  • 1 large cauliflower (just over 2 pounds), broken into ½-inch florets
  • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
  • Parmesan or vegan Parmesan, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Make the vegan cheese sauce according to the referenced recipe, blending in the additional garlic clove, ½ teaspoon sea salt, smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to enhance the flavor with smoky and mildly spicy notes.
  2. Preheat Broiler: Set your oven broiler to preheat so it is ready for browning the breadcrumb topping later in the process.
  3. Cook Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and boil for 5 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and transfer the cauliflower to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Combine with Cheese Sauce: Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the hot cauliflower and gently stir to evenly coat each piece in the creamy sauce.
  5. Assemble Dish: Transfer the cauliflower and cheese mixture into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the ¼ cup panko bread crumbs on top to prepare for a crunchy topping.
  6. Broil to Finish: Place the dish under the oven broiler for approximately 2 minutes, watching closely until the panko breadcrumbs turn lightly golden and crisp. Remove from oven promptly to avoid burning.
  7. Serve: Optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan or vegan Parmesan before serving warm for an extra cheesy touch.

Notes

  • Carefully watch the dish while broiling as the panko breadcrumbs can burn quickly.
  • Cauliflower can be substituted with other vegetables like broccoli if preferred.
  • The vegan cheese sauce recipe is essential for keeping this dish dairy-free.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
  • Make sure to drain the cauliflower well after boiling to avoid a watery final dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://kitchenloving.com/homemade-cauliflower-mac-and-cheese-recipe/