Cauliflower n& Peas Mac n& Cheese
Recipe Overview
Overview
This Cauliflower n’ Peas Mac n’ Cheese is a delightful take on the traditional mac and cheese, swapping out pasta for cauliflower to create a lighter yet satisfying dish. The process begins with preparing the cauliflower, cutting it into bite-sized florets that will cook quickly and evenly. Roasting the cauliflower at a high temperature gives it a beautiful caramelization, enhancing its natural sweetness and adding depth to the dish.
The cheese sauce is where the magic happens. A roux made from butter and flour serves as the base, thickening the sauce to a velvety consistency. As the milk is whisked in, it transforms into a creamy sauce that envelops the cauliflower and peas beautifully. The addition of sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese elevates the flavor profile, making it rich and indulgent without the guilt of traditional mac and cheese.
To finish, a sprinkle of homemade breadcrumbs adds a satisfying crunch, contrasting with the creamy texture of the cheese sauce. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also versatile; you can easily customize it with different vegetables or cheeses based on your preferences. It’s a comforting meal that feels indulgent while still being nutritious, perfect for any night of the week.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Cut cauliflower down the middle and into bite-sized florets.
Tip: Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Place cauliflower florets in a pan and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Tip: Keep cauliflower slightly al dente for better texture in mac and cheese.
Broil the cauliflower for about 10 minutes.
Melt butter in a pan to start making the cheese sauce.
Tip: Use equal parts flour and fat to make a roux for thickening sauces.
Add equal parts flour to the melted butter and cook to form a roux.
Whisk in milk to the roux and bring to a boil.
Tip: Always use Parmesan with a stamp for authentic flavor.
Stir in equal parts Parmesan and cheddar cheese until melted.
Tip: Turn off the heat before adding cheese to prevent separation.
Turn off the heat and add frozen peas to the cheese sauce.
Tip: Frozen peas are great for mac and cheese due to their high water content.
Cut frozen bread into cubes and toast in a hot pan with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Tip: Making breadcrumbs from frozen bread is easy and prevents waste.
Mix the roasted cauliflower with the cheese sauce.
Tip: You can freeze mac and cheese and bake it again later.
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese before serving.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Almond Milk
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Using cauliflower instead of pasta reduces carbs while adding fiber and nutrients.
- •The cheese sauce can be made with various types of cheese for different flavors.
- •Adding peas not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional value.
- •Homemade breadcrumbs can add a crunchy texture to the dish.
