Ingredients
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
- 1 whole head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 cups water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 2 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups colby jack cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon salt, to taste, if needed
Topping
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Chopped parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish and set it aside for later use.
- Blanch Cauliflower: Heat a large pot with 3 cups of water and 1 teaspoon salt over medium flame. Once boiling, add cauliflower florets and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain the water and set the cauliflower aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium-sized Dutch oven over medium heat, warm the whole milk and cream cheese. Whisk continuously until well combined and smooth.
- Season Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, dried parsley, ground black pepper, and salt. Gradually add 1 cup of colby jack cheese along with the mozzarella cheese, then remove from heat and whisk until all cheese fully melts, forming a creamy sauce.
- Combine Cauliflower and Cheese Sauce: Add the blanched cauliflower florets to the cheese mixture and stir gently until the cauliflower is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, panko bread crumbs, and grated parmesan cheese. Mix well and set aside.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of colby jack cheese evenly over the cauliflower mixture in the casserole dish, then evenly distribute the breadcrumb topping and crushed red pepper flakes on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- Blanching cauliflower briefly helps maintain its texture and prevents it from becoming too mushy when baked.
- Adjust salt to taste, especially if cheeses are already salty.
- The crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; omit or reduce if you prefer a milder dish.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a crunchy topping; for a lower-carb option, use crushed pork rinds instead.
- Using whole milk and cream cheese ensures a rich, creamy sauce, but you can opt for lower-fat dairy alternatives if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
