Best homemade mac and cheese loaded with cauliflower will trick the pickiest eaters into eating their veggies.
Today I'm teaching you a little trick. My granddaughters come over for dinner every other week. Their only request? Mac and cheese. I think I need to buy some stock in pasta, but I digress.
Mac and cheese is simple to make from scratch (no need for boxed versions that are full of additives), and is very forgiving in that you can't really mess it up, even when experimenting with it.
In this version, I added cauliflower. The flavor is mild and it wouldn't set off my granddaughters’ “veggie radar” because it blends right in (as does its color). It also adds a mild sweetness to the dish.
Tip: Never reveal your secret!
It turns out there are plenty of picky eaters among adults as well, but trust me, you can trick them too with this yummy dish. I'm a real magician when it comes to hiding veggies.
I've snuck a whole cabbage head into this sneaky casserole, and no one ever knew.
I'm always looking for ways to make comfort foods a bit healthier.
Have you snuck veggies into your dishes? How do you make your recipes wholesome? Tell me in the comments!
🛒 Ingredients and Notes
- macaroni
- cauliflower
- onion
- sour cream
- milk
- shredded Mozzarella
- mustard
- breadcrumbs
🔪 Instructions
- In a pot of salted water cook cauliflower and macaroni al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet heat two tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until tender, stirring frequently. Add cooked macaroni and cauliflower. Stir in sour cream, milk, cheese, and mustard. Season the macaroni with salt and pepper. Stir well until cheese is melted. Transfer to a casserole dish.
- In a small bowl mix breadcrumbs, parsley, and one tablespoon olive oil. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
💗More Great Recipes to Try
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Best Cauli Mac and Cheese
EQUIPMENT
- casserole dish
Ingredients
- 8 ounces uncooked macaroni, I used whole grain Rotini
- 1 small head cauliflower, chopped
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 1 cup low fat sour cream
- ½ cup skim milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese, I used Mozzarella
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a pot of salted water, cook cauliflower and macaroni al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until tender, stirring frequently. Add cooked macaroni and cauliflower. Stir in sour cream, milk, cheese, and mustard. Season the macaroni with salt and pepper. Stir well until cheese is melted. Transfer to a casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs, parsley, and one tablespoon olive oil. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover.
- Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
April J Harris says
This is definitely a great way to 'hide' veggies deliciously, Jas! I like that you use low fat sour cream too. Pinning and sharing. Thank you for sharing, and for being a part of the Hearth and Soul Link Party. Hope you are having a good week!
Kristin says
I love that this recipe takes a comfort food and adds a healthy ingredient! Pinning for later. I am visiting from Friday at the Fire Station link-up.
I followed you on Pinterest and Facebook and would love for you to follow me!
Jas says
Thank you much, Kristin! Followed back 🙂
Carrie @ Carrie's Home Cooking says
This sound wonderful! Thank you for sharing on Whisk It Wednesday Link Party at Carrie's Home Cooking! I can't wait to see what you post tomorrow! Cheers~Carrie
Jas says
Thank you, Carrie! Hope you'll also like what I'll share tomorrow 🙂
Christina Makri says
I like so much mac cheese recipes but I have never seen one with cauliflower! Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe 🙂
Jas says
Hi, Christina! I hope you'll give this one a try. 🙂 Thanks for visiting!
Sheri says
Yum! Thanks for joining us at the To Grandma's House We Go link party!
Jas says
Thank you, Sheri!
Petra says
I love mac & cheese and I love to add cauliflower!
Perfect for sharing, thanks for bringing it to Fiesta Friday!
Jas says
Great minds think alike... 😉
Emmi @ Emmi's Cookin' Side says
I love to hide veggies in meals 😉 And this one is definitely to try! I think Junior would love this one!
-Emmi
Jas says
Hi, Emmi! My grands loved it so I hope your Junior will too 😀
Susan says
Thank you what a great recipe!. I really like the layout of your photos on this recipe. A different perspective that makes the image pop. Pinned
Jas says
Thank you, Susan! I'm so happy you like it and I appreciate your kind feedback. 😀
Lynda Hardy says
What delicious winter comfort food! I love the addition of cauliflower!
Jas says
Thanks so much, Lynda! 🙂
Miz Helen says
I can't wait to try this recipe it looks very comforting to me. Happy to see you here at Full Plate Thursday and thanks so much for sharing with us.
Miz Helen
Jas says
You got it right, Miz Helen. It is very comforting 🙂
Shirley Wood says
So glad you share your creativity with us at Merry Monday. Can't wait to see what's new from you next week!
Jas says
Thank you bunches, Shirley!
Kat (The Baking Explorer) says
This sounds absolutely delicious, I love cauliflower cheese and this makes it possible for me to have it as a whole meal!
Jas says
Thank you, Kat! It could definitely be a whole meal. 🙂 Thanks for stopping in!
Kelly @ Kelly Lynns Sweets and Treats says
I love cauliflower and mac and cheese so this basically blows my mind hehehehe. Thanks for sharing at Friday Frenzy Link Party! PINNED!
Jas says
I'm happy you like it, Kelly! Thanks a bunch 😀
frugal hausfrau says
Jas, you are making me hungry! This looks scrumptious!! Thanks for sharing this at Fiesta Friday!
Mollie
Jas says
Haha, sorry Mollie! Thank you bunches. 😀
Leslie says
Yes! I’ve been sneaking veggies into my kids Mac and cheese for years. Though mine complain if it isn’t bright orange and has bits of veggies. So frustrating. But cauliflower is definitely one of my go-to veggies to use. Thanks so much for sharing at the #happynowlinkup!
Jas says
So funny that we all do it now. When I was growing up it was: eat it or go hungry. LOL
Natalie A says
This recipe looks like a winner! All of the ingredients make this recipe look so yummy! I like that you added cauliflower to a mac & cheese recipe!
Jas says
Hi, Natalie! It fooled my granddaughters, lol.