Mac and Cheese with Cauliflower

By ChrisPergament

Ingredients

• 1 head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets (4 cups)
• 2 T olive oil
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3 tsp pepper
• 1 slice white bread
• 3 T butter
• 1 box (16 oz) pasta
• 2 T flour
• 2 c milk
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 8 oz cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Heat oven to 375. Toss cauliflower, oil, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp garlic powder and pepper in large bowl. Spread onto a baking sheet; bake for 25 min. Reduce heat to 350.

Bring a large pot of salted water to boiling.

Pulse bread in a chopper until crumbes are formed. Melt 1 T of the butter in a small skillet. Add bread crumbs; cover over medium heat, 2-3 min.

Add pasta to boiling water. Cook 10 min. Drain and return to pot. Meanwhile, make sauce; Melt remaining 2 T butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 2 min. Whisk in milk, remaining 1 tsp salt, the paprika and remaining 1/3 tsp garlic powder and bring to a simmer. Cook 3 min., whisking occasionally. Remove from heat and whisk in cheese.

Stir cauliflower and sauce into pasta. Spoon into a 13x9x2 dish. Top with bread crumbs. Bake at 350 for 20 min.