Name: Super Cheesy Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 11 Servings
Cuisine: American

OnlineCook Verified

April 29, 2025

15 Ingredients

EASY

You'll never miss the noodles in this hearty cheesy dish made with three cheeses and roasted cauliflower florets! The recipe is a Yummly original created by Sara Mellas.

Super Cheesy Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese

Super Cheesy Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese cover

From the Cook

1/2

Super Cheesy Cauliflower "Mac" and Cheese

OnlineCook Verified

Ingredients

Servings

WarningMilk and 4 other allergens identified

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Line a large baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper. Set aside.

Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Using a cheese grater or food processor fitted with a grating attachment, grate the Cheddar and Gruyere cheeses. Set aside.

Transfer the grated cheese to a large bowl, and add the Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

Cut the cauliflower into 1-inch florets.

Arrange the cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir to distribute the seasoning.

Roast the cauliflower on middle rack of oven until it can be pierced with a fork, but is not tender, about 20 minutes.

When cauliflower is done, remove from oven and set aside.

Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.

In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.

Once melted, add the flour and whisk to thoroughly combine. Continue whisking until the roux turns slightly golden and begins to smell toasty, about 1 minute.

Slowly stream the milk into the pot while continuing to whisk. Cook the mixture, whisking steadily, until it begins to thicken and bubble, about 4 minutes.

Once mixture thickens and bubbles, turn off the heat. Add the mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

Add 3/4 of the cheese to the pot one handful at a time, whisking slowly after each addition. Reserve a generous 1 cup for topping.

Once the sauce is smooth, add the roasted cauliflower to the pot. Stir until combined.

Pour the contents of the pot into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese in an even layer over the top of the cauliflower.

Bake cauliflower mac on middle rack of oven until the edges are bubbling and the top is lightly browned, 15-18 minutes

Check to see that cauliflower mac is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Allow dish to rest for about 15 minutes before serving.

Video Tutorial Bite Tutorial

Smart Nutrition

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Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Cauliflower Roasting Technique 🔥
Pat cauliflower florets completely dry before roasting to ensure maximum caramelization and prevent soggy texture. Spread florets in a single layer with space between them for even browning.
Cheese Melting Magic 🧀
Remove the cheese sauce from direct heat before adding cheeses to prevent breaking and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency. Grate cheeses fresh for superior melting and flavor.
Flavor Layering Pro Tip 🌿
Toast mustard powder and garlic powder briefly in butter before adding flour to intensify their flavors and create a more complex depth in the cheese sauce.
Texture Enhancement Trick 🥄
For a crispy top, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs before final baking, creating a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts with the creamy interior.
Cheese Blend Mastery 🧀
Combine sharp cheddar for tang, Gruyere for nuttiness, and Parmesan for saltiness to create a multi-dimensional cheese flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.