Skinny Cauliflower Mac & Cheese

This Cauliflower Mac & Cheese is the perfect dish when you are craving something rich and cheesy, but don’t want to stray from your health goals.

For me, a big part of balance in life is enjoying foods that I love. I am pretty lucky in that I truly enjoy salads, vegetables and juices.

I also happen to be wild about anything that is rich, creamy and cheesy. Yep, I kind of go nuts over indulgent foods.

The first thing I ever remember cooking is (boxed) Macaroni and Cheese under my Mother’s supervision.  My first signature dish, what an insanely delicious homemade Macaroni and Cheese.

Not exactly health food.

Seeing as how I’m not getting any younger, for the last few years I’ve been all about making indulgent foods (like macaroni and cheese) a bit more sensible.

Maybe not quite health food – I’ve got my salads, juices and quinoa for that – but something I can enjoy on occasion without feeling guilty.

Today’s Cauliflower Mac n Cheese is just that!

Creamy lusciousness with just 356 calories a serving.

Serve it with a green salad and you’ve got a great meal that won’t derail your health goals.

5 from 1 vote

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Skinny Cauliflower Mac n Cheese

This Cauliflower Mac & Cheese is the perfect dish when you are craving something rich and cheesy, but don't want to stray from your health goals.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 50 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 314 kcal

Author Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

• 6 ounces gluten free pasta I used quinoa pasta
• 1 medium head of cauliflower cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons gluten free flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 8 ounces organic sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 egg yolks
• 3/4 cup gluten free breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with olive oil.
2. Bring a pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions, adding cauliflower in the last 6 minutes of cooking. Reserve 1 cup of cooking liquid and drain.
3. Melt butter in the same pot. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Stir in reserved water, milk, and garlic. Cook for 8 minutes, until sauce is thicken, whisking often. Turn heat to low and stir in cheese, onion powder, salt, pepper and cayenne. Stir until cheese melts. Remove from heat and slowly stir in egg yolks. Toss with pasta and cauliflower.
4. Transfer to prepared dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Spray breadcrumbs with cooking spray. Bake for 30 minutes.

Recipe Notes

Servings 6, Serving Size 274g, Calories Fat 20.2g, Carbohydrates 28.1g, Protein 16.7g, Cholesterol 127mg, Sodium 663mg, Potassium 398mg, Fiber 3.3g, Sugars 7g, WW Pts 10

Nutrition Facts

Skinny Cauliflower Mac n Cheese

Amount Per Serving

Calories 314 Calories from Fat 144

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 16g 25%

Saturated Fat 9g 45%

Cholesterol 92mg 31%

Sodium 524mg 22%

Potassium 161mg 5%

Total Carbohydrates 30g 10%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 3g

Protein 12g 24%

Vitamin A 11.2%

Vitamin C 8.2%

Calcium 28.7%

Iron 2.8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.