Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a comforting, lower-carb twist on classic mac and cheese where tender cauliflower replaces pasta but keeps the creamy, cheesy goodness. 🧀🥦

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🧾 Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets)

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups milk

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional but tasty)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional topping: bread crumbs

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🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the cauliflower
   Boil or steam cauliflower florets for 5–7 minutes until just tender. Drain well.

2. Make the cheese sauce
   In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute.

3. Add milk
   Slowly whisk in milk and cook until the sauce thickens.

4. Add cheese & seasoning
   Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

5. Combine
   Add the cooked cauliflower to the cheese sauce and mix gently.

6. Optional bake
   Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle bread crumbs on top, and bake at 190°C (375°F) for 15–20 minutes until golden.

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🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or steak

• Add crispy bacon bits for extra flavor

• Mix in steamed broccoli for a veggie combo

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⭐ Tips

• Roast the cauliflower first for deeper flavor.

• Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar + mozzarella for extra creaminess.

• Add a pinch of paprika for color and mild smokiness.

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If you’d like, I can also share:

• 🧀 Ultra-creamy keto cauliflower mac and cheese (no flour)

• 🍗 High-protein gym version

• 🔥 Baked restaurant-style cauliflower mac with crispy top.