Cauliflower Mac n Cheese
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Category
Side dish
Who would have thought cauliflower could taste this good? I make this as a side dish, but adding diced ham or cooked chicken would make it into a full dinner served with a side salad or veggie.
Ingredients
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1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
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pinch of salt
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3/4 cup whole milk, (you can also use heavy whipping cream for extra creaminess)
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3 ounces softened cream cheese, cut into cubes
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1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste
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salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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4 slices bacon, diced and cooked to a desired crispiness
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fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
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1/4 cup panko crumbs
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon melted butter
Topping (Optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375˚F. Place 1 inch of water in a large pot or large saucepan with a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Add cauliflower florets to boiling water and cook for 8 to 9 minutes, or until tender crisp. Drain cauliflower in colander and set aside.
Butter a 9x13 baking dish; set aside. Pour milk (or cream) in the same pot that you used for the cauliflower, and set over medium heat. Add the cream cheese to the milk and whisk until cream cheese is completely melted. Stir in dried parsley, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; gently whisk until cheeses have completely melted.
Add the cauliflower florets back into the pot, and using a large spoon, gently stir around until everything is covered in cheese sauce. Transfer cauliflower mixture to previously prepared baking dish; sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese and set aside.
If adding the topping: In a small bowl combine panko crumbs, parmesan, and melted butter; mix and stir until well combined. Sprinkle mixture in an even layer over the cauliflower.
Bake, uncovered, for 18 to 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. In the meantime, dice the bacon and fry to a desired crispness. Garnish with prepared bacon and fresh parsley. Serve.