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Healthy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Super creamy, easy and healthier version of everyone’s favorite comfort food! Such a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
This healthy cauliflower mac and cheese recipe is absolutely insane. It’s packed with over a pound of roasted cauliflower that brings out all the best flavors! Made with a gluten-free pasta and super creamy sauce thanks to a full-fat coconut milk.
ROASTED CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE INGREDIENTS
cauliflower head
avocado oil
gluten-free pasta
full-fat coconut milk
dijon mustard
garlic powder
onion powder
salt and black pepper
white cheddar, fontina or gruyère cheese
grass-fed butter
rice crumbs or panko
HOW TO COOK CAULIFLOWER FOR MAC AND CHEESE
Toss the cauliflower florets with avocado oil, salt and pepper. Then roast until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Roasting the cauliflower before adding it to the sauce brings out so much flavor!
HOW TO MAKE HEALTHY CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE
Start by tossing the cauliflower florets with oil, salt and pepper. Roast until golden brown.
Then, cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Set aside.
Meanwhile prepare the rice crumb topping by sautéing a little grass-fed butter and rice crumbs or panko.
Once the cauliflower is done roasting, add half of it to the high speend blender or food processor. Along with coconut milk, mustard, garlic powder and onion powder. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the sauce into a saucepan. Stir in cooked pasta, remaining cauliflower florets and shredded cheese.
Divide between bowls. Top with rice crumb topping. Enjoy!!!
HERE’S STEP BY STEP VIDEO OF HOW TO MAKE THIS CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE
USING COCONUT MILK INSTEAD OF HEAVY CREAM
Coconut milk adds creamy texture to soups, curries, sauces and is the perfect substitute for heavy cream! My pantry is always stocked with a few cases of coconut milk so I always have it on hand when needed!
Here’s just a few recipes where I used coconut milk instead of heavy cream:
Dairy-free creamy chicken gnocchi soup
Creamy tuscan tortellini soup
Creamy chicken gnocchi soup
Easy vegan coconut curry noodle bowls
Creamy salmon linguine pasta
Creamy rice soup with vegetables
A FEW TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST CAULIFLOWER MAC AND CHEESE
Always roast the cauliflower before adding it to the sauce. It brings out so much flavor!
Leave half of the roasted cauliflower to add to the dish. It adds such a great texture!
Use full-fat coconut milk for extra creaminess
Season well with black pepper & salt (I love using pink himalyan salt)
5. Use rice crumbs for a healthier, gluten-free crumb topping
If you make this roasted cauliflower mac and cheese yourself, don’t forget to use the hashtag #natteats and tag @natteats so I can see your creations! Feel free to reach out via email or leave a comment too. If you’d like to stay updated with my recipes, go ahead and visit my Facebook, Instagram or subscribe!
PrintHealthy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese (gluten-free)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-5
Description
Healthy Cauliflower Mac and Cheese. Super creamy, easy and healthier version of everyone’s favorite comfort food! Such a great way to sneak in some extra veggies!
Ingredients
1 1/2 pound cauliflower head, cut into florets
2 tbsp avocado oil
1 tsp pink himalyan salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
12 oz gluten-free pasta
3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
salt and black pepper
1 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar, fontina or gruyère cheese
TOPPING
1 tbsp grass-fed butter
1/2 cup rice crumbs or panko
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450F. Line a baking pan with a parchment paper.
Toss cauliflower florets with oil, salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes until it starts to brown.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Set aside. In a small pan melt butter and add rice crumbs. Cook for a few minutes until golden brown, stirring frequently. Set aside.
Place a coconut milk, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder and 1/2 of the roasted cauliflower in a high speed blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer into a saucepan. Stir in cooked pasta, remaining cauliflower florets and shredded cheese.
Divide between bowls. Top with rice crumb topping. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes