Cauliflower Mac And Cheese
45 minutes to prepare serves 4-6
INGREDIENTS
1 lb (16 oz) large shell pasta
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided
3 cups whole milk
1 head cauliflower, chopped into florets
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper (or more to taste)
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 375°F and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. You want to cook the pasta 2 minutes less than the package indicates. About 4 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the cauliflower florets. Drain everything well and return to pot.
While pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly, and cook until sauce thickens, about 6-8 minutes, stirring often. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper, if using.
Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of the grated cheese. When cheese has melted, pour over pasta and cauliflower and stir to combine. Pour into prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
Bake until cheese has melted and top is golden brown, 20-25 minutes. Let sit five minutes before serving. Enjoy!