Cauliflower Cheddar Mac N’ Cheese

Posted on March 14, 2013 by lisa

Mac n’ cheese can’t get any simpler than this!  I assure you that this recipe is just as easy as making the pre-packaged stuff.  And let’s not forget that THIS version is, without a doubt, MUCH healthier!

I can honestly say that I’ve yet to buy my son Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (and I probably never will) but it doesn’t concern me in the least because instead of eating pre-packaged (powdered!!) cheese he gets a healthy homemade version made from genuinely fresh ingredients!  Besides, what better way to sneak in add veggies to our kid’s meals…what they don’t know won’t hurt them, right?!

This recipe calls for my creamy cauliflower sauce but you can also steam the cauliflower and mash it before preparing. 

1/2 cup elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
1 baby cube creamy cauliflower sauce (or 1/4 cup steamed, mashed cauliflower)
2-3 tbsp. grated or crumbled cheddar cheese (or cheese of choice-I used marble)
1/4 cup pasta cooking water
pinch of nutmeg (optional, if not adding creamy cauliflower sauce)
Parmesan cheese to taste

Cook pasta according to package instructions.  (The pasta cooking times will vary depending on which type of pasta you choose.) I usually prepare the pasta “al dente” (with just a little bite) since it continues to cook when heating the cauliflower puree and cheese.  Once the pasta is cooked, drain (reserving 1/4 of the cooking water) in a small strainer.

Reduce heat to low and return the saucepan to the burner.  Add cauliflower puree, and cheese and add 1 tablespoon at a time of the cooking water until you get the desired consistency.

*TIP: I start with 3 tablespoons of the cooking water and add more if needed (to avoid ending up with a runny mac n’cheese!)

Heat through until the cheese is melted and the liquid has almost completely evaporated.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, and freshly grated Parmesan!

Serve warm as is or try my Tomato Mac n’ Cheese recipe for a slightly varied version of the original recipe.

Wondering why this recipe is considered “Baby Bites?!” Simply cook the pasta until VERY soft then mash the mac n’ cheese with a fork before serving to baby!

What do you prefer…store-bought Mac n’ Cheese or homemade?

This entry was posted in and tagged BLW-friendly, cauliflower, cheddar cheese, egg-free, Pastas and Rice, Toddler Bites, Vegetables. Bookmark the permalink.

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