Description
A comforting and healthier twist on the classic mac and cheese, featuring tender cauliflower, creamy cheeses, and a blend of spices.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into medium bite-sized florets
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt (for steaming water)
- 1 tsp Kerrygold unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 3/4 cup Silk unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tsp arrowroot powder, whisked into the cold almond milk
- 2 oz Philadelphia 1/3 Less Fat cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 3/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fine sea salt (to taste after cooking only)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Light dusting of smoked paprika (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a large pot and add 1/4 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Place the cauliflower florets in the steamer basket and steam for 5–7 minutes until just fork-tender yet sturdy.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a towel-lined tray. Allow them to steam-dry for about 5 minutes, patting gently to remove any excess moisture.
- In a wide skillet, melt your Kerrygold unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk the arrowroot powder into your cold almond milk until all lumps dissolve. Pour this mixture into the skillet with melted garlic butter.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes while whisking constantly until the milk thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and add your softened cream cheese cubes. Whisk until melted and blended into a silky sauce.
- Stir in the mustard powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper, ensuring even distribution.
- Remove the skillet from direct heat. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese in three batches, stirring until fully melted.
- Gently fold in the dry cauliflower florets until well coated with the sauce.
- Return the skillet to low heat for 1-2 more minutes, stirring gently until heated through.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with smoked paprika and chopped chives.
Notes
Cauliflower can be steamed ahead of time and stored for easy preparation. For extra flavor, consider roasting the cauliflower before adding cheese sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg