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    Home » Diet » Gluten Free Recipes

    Skinny Mac and Cheese

    Published: Sep 22, 2016 by Wendy Polisi Modified: Oct 18, 2022 · 467 words. · About 3 minutes to read this article. This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

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    Looking for a healthier alternative to your favorite comfort food? This Skinny Mac and Cheese with pasta and cauliflower a great solution! Packed with nutrients and all of the cheesy goodness you love, this dish will become a new family favorite. No need to give up pasta completely - this recipe offers the perfect balance.

    Photo of Skinny Mac and Cheese in an oval baking dish garnished with chives.

    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.

    Photo of Skinny Mac and Cheese in an oval baking dish on a dark background with serving bowls behind it.

    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.

    Close up photo of Skinny Mac and Cheese.

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

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    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Skinny Mac and Cheese

    This Skinny Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish when you are craving something rich and cheesy, but don't want to stray from your health goals.
    Prep Time25 mins
    Cook Time50 mins
    Total Time1 hr 15 mins
    Course: Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 314kcal
    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
    • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 2 egg yolks
    • ¾ cup gluten free breadcrumbs
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13 x 9 baking dish with olive oil.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Transfer to prepared dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Spray breadcrumbs with cooking spray. Bake for 30 minutes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 92mg | Sodium: 524mg | Potassium: 161mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 560IU | Vitamin C: 6.8mg | Calcium: 287mg | Iron: 0.5mg

    Filed Under:

    Casserole RecipesGluten Free RecipesPasta RecipesSide Dish RecipesVegetarian Recipes

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    About Wendy Polisi

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

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    1. Katie B.

      October 12, 2015 at 2:09 am

      I'm a little confused. The cheese is added twice? And when does the pasta go back in? Thanks for your clarification!

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        October 13, 2015 at 10:46 am

        5 stars
        Sorry for any confusion. It should be clear now. Please let me know if it isn't.

        Reply
        • Katie B.

          October 14, 2015 at 4:00 pm

          Thanks!

          Reply
    2. Diane Riley

      December 20, 2015 at 5:34 am

      OK to put in whole eggs?

      Reply
      • Wendy Polisi

        December 22, 2015 at 4:06 pm

        Yes, that should work just fine.

        Reply
    3. Rebecca Miller

      September 22, 2016 at 9:05 pm

      I love adding cauliflower (and even broccoli) to my homemade mac n cheese! This looks great!

      Reply

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    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

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