Chef Bihi Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
Are you ready to elevate your comfort food game? This Cauliflower Mac & Cheese is not just a meal; it’s a delightful journey of flavors and textures! Perfect for a cozy family dinner, this dish promises to make everyone fall in love with vegetables. Let’s dive into this creamy, cheesy masterpiece that is bound to please both kids and adults!
Recipe Information
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 500g of pasta of your choice
- Such as macaroni or fusilli
- 250g of Meule du Plateau cheese
- Shredded
- 50g of all-purpose flour
- 50g of butter
- ½ liter of milk
- ½ head of cauliflower
- Cut into florets
- 2 pinches of salt
- 2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs
- A sprinkle of nutmeg
- A sprinkle of white pepper
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil for the cauliflower and pasta in the same pot.
- Cut the cauliflower into florets.
- Blanch the cauliflower in boiling water for 4 minutes, then drain and cool to stop the cooking process.
- Grate the cheese.
- Prepare a béchamel sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan, adding flour, and gradually whisking in the milk until thickened.
- Stir in the grated cheese into the béchamel on low heat until fully melted.
- Cook the pasta, reducing the cooking time by 2 minutes compared to the package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and mix it with the cheesy sauce.
- Add the cooled cauliflower to the pasta mixture and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and a little grated cheese.
- Broil in the oven for 5 minutes until golden brown on top.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving. Add extra vegetables for added nutrition and flavor, such as spinach or broccoli.
Recipe Tips
For a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. You can also substitute the cheese with a vegan alternative for a dairy-free version.
Nutritional Information
Approximately 500 calories per serving (depending on the ingredients used).
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to mix in your favorites or use what you have on hand.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Using gluten-free pasta will make this dish gluten-free.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can mix in vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can this be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the prepared dish before baking. Thaw and bake before serving!
