Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese

Name: Cauliflower Mac 'n' Cheese
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 10 - 12 serving(s)
Ingredients: 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for baking dish; 1 lb. cavatappi or other short pasta; 1 medium-sized head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cored and thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, sliced; 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 4 oz. extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 cup); 2 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup); 1/4 tsp. mustard powder; Pinch cayenne pepper; 1 1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 c. fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

The cauliflower gives this dish an even richer, cheesier taste.

By Kate Merker and Taylor MurrayPublished: Jan 6, 2020

4.3

7 Ratings

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BRIAN WOODCOCK

Yields:

10 - 12 serving(s)

Total Time:

1 hr

This cold-night staple serves up ample creamy gooeyness, while a stealthy vegetable (puréed cauliflower!) boosts vitamins and fiber.

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Ingredients

3 Tbsp. olive oil, divided, plus more for baking dish
1 lb. cavatappi or other short pasta
1 medium-sized head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cored and thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 oz. extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
2 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)
1/4 tsp. mustard powder
Pinch cayenne pepper
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain.
2. Step 2Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cauliflower, garlic, and onion. Season with salt. Cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Add 4 cups water and simmer until vegetables are very soft, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, reserving 2 cups cooking liquid; let cool slightly.
3. Step 3Combine vegetables, Cheddar, Parmesan, mustard powder, and cayenne in a blender (depending on the size of your blender, you may need to do this in two batches). Purée, adding just enough reserved cooking liquid to get mixture moving, until smooth, 1 to 2 minutes.
4. Step 4Add sauce to pasta and toss to combine. Transfer to prepared baking dish. Toss together panko, parsley, and remaining tablespoon oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over pasta. Bake until golden brown, 14 to 16 minutes.