Macaroni and Cheese With Cauliflower

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Enjoy stick-to-your-ribs comfort food with a healthy twist.

Macaroni and Cheese With Cauliflower in a baking dish on a wooden table
Photo: Maria Robledo
Hands On Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
40 mins
Yield:
6 serves

Can you think of a better way to sneak an entire head of cauliflower into a dish without compromising on richness and cozy factor? We can't either. Here, you'll stir in sharp cheddar, sour cream, mustard, and milk to create an ooey, gooey delight. Top with fresh, homemade breadcrumbs and bake. Plus, it's ready in less than an hour. It's a win-win.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces multigrain elbow macaroni

  • 1 head cauliflower, roughly chopped

  • 4 slices multigrain bread, torn

  • ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • kosher salt and black pepper

  • 1 onion, finely chopped

  • 1 ½ cups grated extra-sharp Cheddar (6 ounces)

  • 1 ½ cups reduced-fat sour cream

  • ½ cup 1 percent milk

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions

  1. Heat oven to 400 F. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, adding the cauliflower during the last 3 minutes of cooking time; drain.

  2. Meanwhile, pulse the bread in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Add the parsley, 2 tablespoons of the oil, and ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper; pulse to combine.

  3. Return the pasta pot to medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the onion, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft, 3 to 5 minutes.

  4. Mix in the pasta and cauliflower and the cheese, sour cream, milk, and mustard.

  5. Transfer to a shallow 3-quart baking dish, sprinkle with the bread crumbs, and bake until golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

537 Calories
23g Fat
63g Carbs
24g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Calories 537
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 23g 29%
Saturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 51mg 17%
Sodium 692mg 30%
Total Carbohydrate 63g 23%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 24g

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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