This easy and creamy Pioneer Woman Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a delicious, quick side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With a cheesy, rich sauce and a hint of heat, it’s a simple, nutritious alternative to traditional mac and cheese. You can easily swap in your favorite cheese for extra flavor!
Ingredients Needed
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter, plus more for greasing the pan
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- Hot sauce, to taste
- 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese
- 4 oz fresh goat cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
How To Make Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
- . Prepare the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook until crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
- 2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat. Whisk in the dry mustard, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Just before the milk starts to boil, turn off the heat and stir in the pepper jack and goat cheese until melted and smooth.
- 3. Combine and Bake: Stir the drained cauliflower into the cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish and sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan.
- 4. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling.
- 5. Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this rich and creamy cauliflower mac and cheese!
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Cook the cauliflower until it’s just tender, not mushy. It will bake further in the oven, and you want it to hold its shape in the dish.
- Use Full-Fat Milk: For the creamiest texture, use whole milk instead of skim or low-fat milk. It makes the sauce richer and more delicious.
- Adjust the Hot Sauce: Add hot sauce to taste! If you prefer a milder dish, start with a small amount, then adjust to your spice level.
- Grate the Cheese Yourself: Grating cheese yourself gives the best melt and creaminess compared to pre-shredded cheese, which can be dry.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Allow the leftover cauliflower mac and cheese to cool to room temperature. Then, cover it and store it in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Cool the dish completely before freezing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 20-25 minutes.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Cover with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, use the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 352
- Total Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 78mg
- Sodium: 410mg
- Potassium: 486mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 13g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 19g
More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
Pioneer Woman Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe
Description
This easy and creamy Pioneer Woman Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is a delicious, quick side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With a cheesy, rich sauce and a hint of heat, it’s a simple, nutritious alternative to traditional mac and cheese. You can easily swap in your favorite cheese for extra flavor!
Ingredients
Instructions
- . Prepare the Cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook until crisp-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
- 2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat the milk and butter over medium heat. Whisk in the dry mustard, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Just before the milk starts to boil, turn off the heat and stir in the pepper jack and goat cheese until melted and smooth.
- 3. Combine and Bake: Stir the drained cauliflower into the cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish and sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan.
- 4. Bake to Perfection: Place the dish in the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the mixture is bubbling.
- 5. Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this rich and creamy cauliflower mac and cheese!
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Cauliflower: Cook the cauliflower until it’s just tender, not mushy. It will bake further in the oven, and you want it to hold its shape in the dish.
- Use Full-Fat Milk: For the creamiest texture, use whole milk instead of skim or low-fat milk. It makes the sauce richer and more delicious.
- Adjust the Hot Sauce: Add hot sauce to taste! If you prefer a milder dish, start with a small amount, then adjust to your spice level.
- Grate the Cheese Yourself: Grating cheese yourself gives the best melt and creaminess compared to pre-shredded cheese, which can be dry.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the dish rest for a few minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier.
Pioneer Woman Cauliflower Mac and Cheese Recipe